Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with Singapore's Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen at the Pentagon today to discuss efforts to strengthen defense and security cooperation between the United States and Singapore.
The two officials reviewed the progress both countries have made to deepen their partnership on defense cooperation, including by concluding a Security of Supply Arrangement and establishing a new defense innovation partnership as part of the inaugural U.S.-Singapore Critical and Emerging Technologies Dialogue in October.
Secretary Austin expressed his appreciation for the access Singapore provides to U.S. forces, noting that Singapore is one of the United States' most important defense partners. He also emphasized the Department's support for the U.S.-Singapore bilateral training relationship, which includes joint exercises in the region and opportunities for the Republic of Singapore Air Force to train in the United States.
The two officials also reiterated that the partnership between the United States and Singapore is built on common principles, underscoring their mutual commitment to supporting the security, stability, and prosperity of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.