An official website of the United States Government 
Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov

.gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock ( lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

You have accessed part of a historical collection on defense.gov. Some of the information contained within may be outdated and links may not function. Please contact the DOD Webmaster with any questions.
Immediate Release

Readout of Secretary Carter's Meeting With Singaporean Prime Minister‎ Lee Hsien Loong

Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Ash Carter met today with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Pentagon.

The secretary and the prime minister affirmed the long standing security partnership between the United States and Singapore. They discussed a range of issues related to mutual security interests, including cooperation on maritime security and countering violent extremism from terrorist organizations such as ISIL.

They also discussed the need for a principled, networked regional security architecture, rooted in a shared, enduring interest in regional stability and the rule of law.

With regard to the South China Sea, the two reaffirmed the importance of the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law. The secretary noted the recent, legally-binding Law of the Sea Convention Tribunal ruling on the Philippines-China arbitration is an important contribution to addressing disputes peacefully.

Both the secretary and prime minister discussed the importance of the U.S.-ASEAN relationship. The secretary stated that he looks forward to Singapore's participation in the upcoming U.S.-ASEAN Defense Informal in Hawaii.

The secretary also expressed appreciation for Singapore's important role in supporting the counter-ISIL coalition.

Finally, both the secretary and prime minister expressed support for passage of the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement.

Earlier today, they participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.