MR TEO VISITS US

Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean called on the United States' Secretary of Defence Robert Gates on 14 Jan.

During their meeting in Washington DC, both men exchanged views on a wide range of issues, including bilateral defence cooperation, the security situation in Asia, and the reconstruction efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Mr Teo, who is visiting the US from 13 to 18 Jan, also called on Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte, and the Secretaries of the Army, Navy and Air Force.

He is also scheduled to meet with Deputy National Security Advisor James Jeffrey.

While in Washington DC, Mr Teo will deliver a lecture on Asia s evolving security architecture and the role of the US. This Statesmen s Forum is organised by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies.

After the forum, he will visit Boeing s F-15 production plant in St Louis, Missouri, where Singapore s F-15SG fighter jets are being assembled.

Mr Teo's visit underscores the Singapore s longstanding and close defence relations with the US.

Since 2005 when both countries signed the Strategic Framework Agreement, the bilateral defence relationship has progressed, with increased cooperation in the areas of military, technology and policy.