Dr Ng Eng Hen and Lieutenant General (Rtd) Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin discuss strengthening Singapore-Indonesia defence ties, highlight achievements under Defence Cooperation Agreement.
On 6 November 2024, the Minister for Defence Dr. Ng Eng Hen met with Indonesian Defence Minister Lieutenant General (Retired) Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin at the Istana Merdeka in Jakarta. Their discussions reaffirmed the close, longstanding defence relationship between Singapore and Indonesia and reviewed advancements in their joint Defence Cooperation Agreement. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the progress made in the agreement’s implementation, which has facilitated mutual exchanges and enhanced military professionalism.
The ministers also explored additional avenues to deepen defence cooperation, focusing on regularised interactions, training exercises, and professional exchanges that foster understanding and trust between the armed forces. This relationship, they noted, is supported by a history of collaboration through initiatives such as cross-attendance of courses and active participation in multilateral forums like the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus, which aim to bolster regional security.
Dr Ng’s visit to Jakarta forms part of a broader Singaporean delegation led by Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Mr Lawrence Wong during his introductory visit to Indonesia, spanning 5–6 November 2024. This visit underscores Singapore’s commitment to its regional partnerships and the continuing significance of its defence collaboration with Indonesia.
Source: MINDEF
