15-7-2024 (SINGAPORE) Singapore’s Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen, is set to embark on a significant diplomatic mission to the United States this week, underscoring the robust defence partnership between the two nations. The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) announced on Monday that Dr Ng’s four-day visit, spanning from 15th to 18th July 2024, will include pivotal engagements in Washington DC and Colorado.
The cornerstone of Dr Ng’s itinerary is a crucial meeting with his American counterpart, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J Austin III, in the nation’s capital. This high-level dialogue is expected to reinforce the long-standing military cooperation between Singapore and the United States, addressing mutual security concerns and exploring avenues for enhanced collaboration.
Following his Washington engagements, Dr Ng will journey to the picturesque state of Colorado, where he is slated to deliver a keynote address at the prestigious 2024 Aspen Security Forum. The Minister’s participation in this influential gathering on Wednesday evening marks a significant moment for Singapore on the global security stage.
The Aspen Security Forum, a biannual conference that has become a cornerstone event in the international defence calendar since its inception in 2010, brings together an elite cadre of security experts, policymakers, and thought leaders. Dr Ng’s presence at this year’s forum places him alongside other distinguished speakers, including US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director William Burns.
MINDEF emphasised that Dr Ng’s visit “underscores the excellent and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and the US”. This statement reflects the strategic importance both nations place on their bilateral ties, particularly in an era of evolving global security challenges.
