iscover
Singapore’s Minister for Defence, Chan Chun Sing, has toured Australia to discuss further opportunities to deepen the long-standing defence partnership.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of Australia and Singapore’s diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, an agreement that encompasses all aspects of the relationship, including trade, defence, science and innovation, education and the arts.
Minister Chan was welcomed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles to Australia, as well as Australian special envoy for Defence, Veterans Affairs and Northern Australia, Luke Gosling.
“It was an honour to spend time with Singapore’s Minister for Defence, Mr Chan Chun Sing and Chief of Army MAJGEN Cai while representing Australia’s DPM and Minister for Defence Richard Marles in Central Queensland this weekend,” Gosling said.
“First in Rockhampton, thanking the community for their support and then at Shoalwater Bay Training Area, I’m very impressed with our great mates from Ministry of Defence of Singapore.
“We were briefed on the 35th Exercise Wallaby as we moved to SWBTA by Republic of Singapore Air Force Chinook to see the fantastic new Urban Operations Live Fire facility and the outstanding Camp Tilpal.
“These facilities were jointly developed under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Australia and Singapore and were opened in November 2024. Our military connection is long-standing and there are bright prospects for us to do much more together.
“Our CSP is about to be strengthened this week with leaders and defence leaders meetings, as the partnership between our two countries strengthens, both of us proud to be together working to ensure peace, stability and prosperity in our region.”
Singapore and Australia have both made efforts in recent years to expand defence collaboration and joint exercises.
“Our militaries have a long history of working together, and we appreciate Singapore’s support for our people and assets operating throughout south-east Asia,” Deputy Prime Minister Marles said.
“Australia is proud to have hosted rotational training of Singapore Armed Forces personnel in Queensland and Western Australia for more than three decades.
“We welcome the opportunity to discuss further opportunities to advance our defence and security cooperation.”
