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Defence Minister Linda Reynolds, Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat and Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen have celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Singapore Armed Forces training in Australia, a significant milestone in a long history of bilateral co-operation.
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In her second official visit to Singapore, Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds met with the representatives to acknowledge long-standing defence ties, fostered by Singaporean force generation activities in Australia, which have included hosting a Republic of Singapore Air Force fighter detachment to conduct training in the Northern Territory.
"Singapore’s military training in Australia provides mutual benefits for our respective armed forces and has provided significant economic opportunities for Australia," Minister Reynolds said.
In her discussions with Prime Minister Lee and Deputy Prime Minister Heng, Minister Reynolds reaffirmed Australia’s support for ASEAN’s central role in facilitating regional dialogue, co-operation and stability.
Minister Reynolds also met with her counterpart, Defence Minister Ng, to discuss engagements between the two countries throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We agreed that the success of our respective defence organisation in further deepening co-operation throughout COVID-19 was a testament to our strong ties,” the minister continued.
“We outlined our commitment to further strengthening the defence and security partnership as a key component of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.”
Minister Reynolds also briefed Dr Ng on Australia’s 2020 Defence Strategic Update and Force Structure Plan, which involve the strengthening of Australia’s role in the role.
The minister also thanked Singapore for its support during the Black Summer bushfires earlier this year.
“Singapore provided vital assistance in the form of CH-47 Chinook helicopters, which were used to evacuate fire ravaged communities,” Minister Reynolds added.
“The efforts of the Singapore Armed Forces, particularly in East Gippsland, helped to protect lives and restore essential resources and services to fire-affected communities.”
The minister’s visit to Singapore is part of a broader tour of the Indo-Pacific, and follows her visit to Japan, where she met with Minister of Defense Kishi Nobuo.
Minister Reynolds will also visit Brunei and the Philippines before returning to Australia.
[Related: Australia, Japan to ramp up engagement in South China Sea]
