Singapore and Germany to Step up Defence Cooperation 32905154.

On Friday May 29, German Federal Minister of Defence, Dr Ursula von der Leyen, called on her Singapore counterpart, Dr Ng Eng Hen, at the Ministry of Defence. During their meeting, Dr Ng and Dr von der Leyen affirmed the importance of bilateral defence relations, with Dr von der Leyen describing Singapore as a "key partner" for Germany.

Both ministers also touched on several security issues of mutual interest, including military modernisation, counter-terrorism and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. Dr Ng conveyed Singapore's appreciation for Germany's support for the Singapore Armed Forces' training in Germany since 2009, which includes an annual bilateral live-firing exercise between both armies.

Singapore and Germany enjoy regular defence interactions across multiple areas, and signed a Defence Cooperation Agreement to formalise defence interactions in Sep 2005. Dr von der Leyen is on her first official visit to Singapore from May 28 to 31, and will attend the 14th Shangri-La Dialogue. She will also call on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana on Saturday May 30.