REAFFIRMING SINGAPORE-US DEFENCE TIES

The fourth US-Singapore Strategic Security Policy Dialogue was held on 21 Apr at the Ministry of Defence in Singapore. During the meeting co-chaired by Permanent Secretary for Defence Chiang Chie Foo and the United States (US) Under Secretary for Defense Mich le Flournoy, both reaffirmed the long standing and excellent defence ties shared by the two countries.

The discussions reiterated the importance of the US' commitment to the region and the need to continue working together to tackle transnational security threats. In addition, both defence leaders also explored ways to enhance and broaden defence ties between the two countries. The policy dialogue is part of the initiatives under the Strategic Framework Agreement (SFA), which was inked in 2005. Since in inception, the SFA has paved the way for substantial progress in bilateral defence relations - as both leaders pointed out during the dialogue session.

The SFA provides the foundation for bilateral cooperation in many areas including policy engagement, military operations and technology - underpinned by the shared belief that a strong US security presence as one of the tenets of peace and security in the region.

Apart from the SFA, Singapore and the US also cooperate in other defence-related areas. In 1990, the two countries formally entered into a Memorandum of Understanding - supplemented by an addendum in 1998 - which allows US Armed Forces, aircraft and vessels access to military facilities in Singapore, including the berthing of US Navy deep draft vessels at Changi Naval Base.

In addition to formalised agreements, the armed forces of the two countries train together regularly in joint military exercises. Singapore's overseas military training detachments - such as the F-15, F-16 fighter aircraft units and the Apache, Chinook and naval helicopter detachments - have received strong support from the US. These detachments give the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) an opportunity to train in advanced ranges and alongside US forces, which has strengthened the SAF's operational readiness and capabilities.

The two countries are currently cooperating on stabilisation and reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan and counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden. As part of the US-led Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI), the SAF works closely with the US and other PSI nations to prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction.

Under Secretary Flournoy will also meet with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, as well as Acting Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen, as part of her visit.