Malaysian Defence Minister makes introductory visit to Singapore

SINGAPORE - Malaysian Defence Minister Mohamad Hasan is in Singapore for an introductory visit, Mindef said on Tuesday.

Datuk Seri Mohamad called on Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen on Tuesday morning and both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral defence ties.

They also discussed cooperation on multilateral platforms such as the Asean Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM), the ADMM-Plus, and the Five Power Defence Arrangements.

After inspecting a guard of honour at the Ministry of Defence, Mr Mohamad called on Acting Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and attended an official lunch hosted by Mr Wong and Dr Ng.

Mr Mohamad’s visit underscores the warm and longstanding defence ties between Singapore and Malaysia, Mindef said.

The two countries’ defence establishments interact regularly across a wide range of activities, including bilateral and multilateral exercises, visits, professional exchanges and the cross-attendance of courses, Mindef added.

These interactions enhance the mutual understanding and professional ties between the defence establishments of both countries, the statement said.

Following their meeting, Dr Ng said he had hit it off with Mr Mohamad and that the two leaders shared the view that maintaining peace in the region is paramount.

“We both agreed that the most important priority for all leaders, particularly in the security arena, is to keep the peace and avoid conflicts in Asia,” he said in a Facebook post.