DPM TEO'S US VISIT REAFFIRMS S'PORE-US DEFENCE TIES

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean met with the United States (US) Secretary of Defense Robert Gates at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., on 16 Mar (Singapore time), during his seven-day visit to the US.

At the meeting, both leaders discussed issues of regional and global interest and reaffirmed the excellent relationship between Singapore and the US, which is based on shared strategic perspectives and longstanding military cooperation.

Besides Dr Gates, Mr Teo also met with Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus and Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley. He will meet with National Security Advisor General (Retired) James Jones on 18 Mar.

While in Washington, D.C., Mr Teo presented a Southeast Asian perspective of US-China relations to board members and senior advisors at the Statesmen's Forum organised by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

In his speech, he touched on issues pertaining to both countries relations with the Southeast Asia region, as well as the role of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in fostering stable relations between the US and China.

He stressed that while Southeast Asia does not want to see the US role in the Asia-Pacific region diminish, it sees a need to "create a regional economic and security architecture that can help draw a growing China into a peaceful and constructive relationship with ASEAN, the US, and other powers which have interests in the ASEAN region."

Concluding his speech, he said: "ASEAN has an important role to play, in fostering stable, constructive relations between the US and China, building trust, and encouraging cooperation where American and Chinese interests coincide."

Mr Teo's visit to Washington D.C. also featured a tea reception at the Singapore Embassy with Singaporeans studying and working in Washington, D.C. There, he updated them on the latest developments in Singapore and fielded questions from them regarding the economy and defence.

Prior to his visit to Washington, Mr Teo was in San Diego, USA, observing an exercise that showcased the integration of a Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN's) frigate, the RSS Stalwart, with two Sikorsky S-70B naval helicopters. While on board the RSS Stalwart, he interacted with RSN and Republic of Singapore Air Force servicemen, who are training in the Peace Triton Naval Helicopter detachment at the United States Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego.

Mr Teo's visit to the US highlights the longstanding and warm defence relations shared by Singapore and the US, which has progressed through military, technological and policy cooperation since the Strategic Framework Agreement was signed between then-President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in July 2005.

17 Mar 10 - DPM Teo Meets US Defence Officials in Washington, D.C.