Indonesian Defence Minister makes introductory visit to Singapore
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Singapore’s Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen accompanying Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin as he inspected a guard of honour at Mindef on Jan 20.
PHOTO: MDDI
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SINGAPORE – Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin is in Singapore for an introductory visit, said the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) on Jan 20.
Lieutenant-General (Retired) Sjafrie was welcomed by his Singapore counterpart, Dr Ng Eng Hen, at Mindef, where he received a guard-of-honour reception.
At their meeting, both ministers reaffirmed the close and longstanding bilateral defence relationship between the two countries.
As part of the Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) between Singapore and Indonesia, Dr Ng and Lt-Gen (Ret) Sjafrie also discussed ways to advance cooperation and interactions between the countries’ defence establishments.
The DCA, which entered into force in March 2024, clarifies arrangements for the Singapore Armed Forces’ training in Indonesian waters and airspace. It will remain in force for 25 years.
Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin (left) with his Singapore counterpart Ng Eng Hen at Mindef on Jan 20.
PHOTO: MDDI
On Jan 20, the defence ministers also discussed security challenges in the region, and advancing security cooperation at multilateral forums such as the Asean Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and its expanded defence meeting platform ADMM-Plus.
Mindef said that the defence establishments of Singapore and Indonesia interact regularly, such as through exercises and professional exchanges.
“These interactions enhance mutual understanding and strengthen people-to-people ties and professionalism between both militaries,” the ministry added.
Lt-Gen (Ret) Sjafrie, who is in Singapore with a delegation of senior Indonesian officials, also called on Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong.
Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin (left) with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at the Istana on Jan 20.
PHOTO: MDDI
Lt-Gen (Ret) Sjafrie will deliver a special address at the 13th International Institute for Strategic Studies Shangri-La Dialogue Sherpa Meeting in the evening on the same day.
Appointed Indonesia’s defence minister in October 2024, he is making his first overseas trip in the role, with Singapore as his second stop, after Malaysia.
