DIPLOMACY
MINISTERS REAFFIRM FPDA'S ROLE IN ENHANCING REGIONAL SECURITY
01 Jun 2014
The continued importance of the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) to regional stability was reaffirmed by the FPDA defence ministers at the 9th FPDA Defence Ministers' Meeting held in Johor Bahru, Malaysia on 1 Jun.
Chaired by Malaysian Defence Minister Dato' Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, the meeting was attended by Australian Defence Minister Senator David Johnston, New Zealand Defence Minister Dr Jonathan Coleman, Singapore Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen and British Defence Secretary Philip Hammond.
Dr Ng emphasised that the FPDA is a crucial part of the regional security architecture and is well-positioned to promote strategic trust in the region due to member-nations' shared values and history.
In the light of recent developments affecting the region, the ministers stressed the need for effective cooperation, dialogue, freedom of navigation and respect for international law in managing threats to stability.
The ministers commended the good progress in moving towards more joint and combined activities, which they noted have enhanced the effectiveness and the interoperability of the FPDA member-nations' militaries.
In addition, they were pleased with the headway made in enhancing the capacity of members in addressing non-conventional threats through the continued inclusion of non-conventional elements into FPDA exercise serials.
The ministers acknowledged that participation in FPDA exercises has been beneficial for personnel of all the member countries, and agreed to further enhance the professional value of FPDA exercises.
Established in 1971, the FPDA has provided a framework for regional stability as well as mutual understanding and cooperation for its members. FPDA exercises and activities include joint and combined exercises, such as the ongoing Bersama Shield and Bersama Lima exercises, and the land-focused command post exercise codenamed Suman Warrior.
The ministers had earlier called on Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on 31 May in Singapore, on the sidelines of the 13th Shangri-La Dialogue.
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