Singapore and Philippines Sign Memorandum of Understanding concerning Defense Cooperation

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen and Philippines Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) concerning Defense Cooperation today.

The signing of the MOU, which coincides with the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Singapore and the Philippines, builds on the existing Arrangement concerning the Conduct of Education, Training Assistance and Support Activities on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief. The MOU serves as a framework to guide existing interactions and promote cooperation in areas of mutual interest such as military education and anti-terrorism, to foster closer people-to-people links.

During Secretary Teodoro's meeting with Dr Ng, both sides reaffirmed the warm and friendly bilateral defence ties between Singapore and the Philippines and expressed commitment to continue cooperation on the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus fora.

Secretary Teodoro is in Singapore with a delegation of senior Philippine defence officials, including Undersecretary for Strategic Assessment and Planning Ignacio Madriaga, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines General Romeo Brawner, Flag Officer-in-Command of the Philippine Navy Vice Admiral Toribio DAdaci Jr., and Assistant Secretary for Strategic Assessments and International Affairs Marita Yoro.