S'PORE AND SWEDEN REAFFIRM STRONG DEFENCE TIES

Although Sweden and Singapore are in different parts of the world, many of their concerns and challenges are similar, such as the desire for peace and security in the world, the issues of extremism and terrorism, as well as the importance of maritime security.

Swedish Minister for Defence Mikael Odenberg said this during his Singaporean counterpart's visit to Sweden from 29 Aug to 1 Sep. Mr Teo Chee Hean is on his first official visit to Sweden at the invitation of Mr Odenberg.

When they met, the two Ministers discussed the modernisation of the armed forces, regional security issues in Asia and Europe, and areas of co-operation for the future.

"We're very grateful for the cooperation and friendship that we have with the Swedish Ministry of Defence and also the Swedish Armed Forces," said Mr Teo.

"The Swedish Armed Forces have been very helpful to the Singapore Navy in developing a submarine capability through the1990s through the Sjoorman programme. We're also very grateful for the training that the Swedish Navy is providing to us through the Vastergotland programme."

Minister Teo made a visit to Karlskrona Naval Base on 31 Aug to meet the 40 Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) servicemen who are currently undergoing Vastergotland submarine training there.

Singapore signed a contract in 2005 to acquire two Vastergotland-class submarines from Sweden. The submarines are expected to enter service from 2010.

Mr Teo's visit underscores the good and long-standing defence relationship between Singapore and Sweden, one that goes back over three decades.

Since 1996, the RSN and the Royal Swedish Navy have also been conducting an annual mine countermeasure exchange programme codenamed Lejon Singa.

Both armed forces and defence establishments also interact regularly through visits, joint exercises, courses and technology collaboration.