 |
| Australian Abrams (left) & a Singapore Leopard (Right) |
The Assistant Minister for Defence, Mr Stuart Robert MP, today met with Singapore’s Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen and observed elements of Exercise WALLABY at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area, Rockhampton, Queensland.
Exercise WALLABY is Singapore’s major annual unilateral training activity in Australia and involves approximately 5,000 Singapore Armed Forces personnel.
“The Australian Government understands how important this training is for the preparedness of the Singapore Armed Forces and I’m pleased to welcome Dr Ng Eng Hen and Singaporean Armed Forces personnel to Australia,” Mr Robert said.
Mr Robert used the opportunity to discuss the bilateral relationship and regional security issues with Dr Ng. Mr Robert noted that Australia and Singapore share a robust and comprehensive bilateral defence relationship and a like minded approach to regional security issues.
“Australia and Singapore are long standing defence partners in the region, we have operated alongside each other in Afghanistan and enjoy a comprehensive program of bilateral exercises and senior level dialogue.
“We are working closely together in key multilateral forums such as the Five Power Defence Arrangements and ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus,” Mr Robert said.
Mr Robert and Dr Ng also discussed opportunities to strengthen senior level dialogue between Australia and Singapore.
During Exercise Wallaby Dr Ng and Minister Robert observed ship to shore operations, land operations and spent time with Singapore Armed Forces personnel.