World

Singapore, US discuss importance of free, open Indo-Pacific

Singaporean Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen and his US counterpart Mark Esper discussed various regional security issues, including the East Sea, counterterrorism, and the importance of ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific, during their virtual meeting on August 31.
Singapore, US discuss importance of free, open Indo-Pacific ảnh 1Singaporean Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen talks with US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper (on screen) during a bilateral video conference on August 31. (Photo: Singapore's Ministry of Defence)

Hanoi (VNA) – Singaporean Minister for Defence Ng Eng Henand his US counterpart Mark Esper discussed variousregional security issues, including the East Sea, counterterrorism, and theimportance of ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific, during their virtualmeeting on August 31.

A mediarelease by The Pentagon revealed that the two sidesreaffirmed their commitments to the “excellent and long-standing bilateraldefense relationship and mutually-beneficial partnership.''

Meanwhile, theSingaporean Ministry of Defence said in a statement that the two defence chiefsalso discussed a wide range of regional and geopolitical developments,including the need for regional defence establishments to work closely toaddress common threats such as COVID-19 and terrorism.

It said bothcountries enjoy extensive defence interactions, including dialogues,military-to-military exchanges, training and cross-attendance of courses, anddefence technology cooperation. Both sides also addressed the importance of maintainingthe momentum of bilateral cooperation initiatives amid the pandemic.

Esperexpressed appreciation for the regional access that Singapore provides USforces which has been extended for another 15 years.

LastSeptember, Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and US President DonaldTrump renewed the 1990 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Regarding US Use ofFacilities in Singapore through the Protocol of Amendment, extending theagreement for extra 15 years./.
VNA
#Singapore #US #Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen #Mark Esper #regional security issues #East Sea #Indo-Pacific #Vietnam News Agency #Vietnamplus Singapore United States
Follow VietnamPlus

Related News

US discusses with Philippines, Malaysia on East Sea

US discusses with Philippines, Malaysia on East Sea

US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo held talks with his Philippine counterpart on August 6 to update the latter on recent changes in US policy on maritime claims in the East Sea, as well as affirm the US’s support for Southeast Asian coastal states in upholding their sovereign rights and interests consistent with international law.
US Defence Secretary protests provocative acts in East Sea

US Defence Secretary protests provocative acts in East Sea

US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper on August 26 warned that China’s plan to modernise military forces will embolden its provocative behaviours in the South China Sea, which is called the East Sea in Vietnam, and the East China Sea.
ASEAN, US continue to foster economic engagement

ASEAN, US continue to foster economic engagement

The ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) and the US Trade Representative (USTR) Consultations took place virtually on August 27 as part of the 52nd meeting of the ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM-52).
US condemns China’s firing of missiles in East Sea

US condemns China’s firing of missiles in East Sea

The US Department of Defence has voiced concern about China’s recent decision to conduct military exercises, including the firing of ballistic missiles around Vietnam’s Hoang Sa (internationally known as Paracel) Archipelago in the East Sea.

See more

Scientists discover largest dinosaur species ever found in Thailand

Scientists discover largest dinosaur species ever found in Thailand

According to the researchers, Nagatitan Chaiyaphumensis belonged to the Titanosauridae family, a group of herbivorous dinosaurs characterised by their long necks and tails. The species is estimated to have measured between 27 and 30 metres in length and weighed more than 26 tonnes.

Cambodia lowers 2026 economic growth forecast to 4.2%

Cambodia lowers 2026 economic growth forecast to 4.2%

According to the medium-term fiscal framework for 2027-2029 recently published by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Cambodia is navigating a transition against a backdrop of protracted global crises, including rising protectionism, trade wars, geopolitical and geo-economic tensions, and increasingly severe impacts of climate change and natural disasters as well.

Thailand enters 2026 rainy season

Thailand enters 2026 rainy season

According to forecasts by the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD), Thailand entered the rainy season, after key meteorological conditions met the criteria for the start of the season.

Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman (second from the right) checked the Bulog's rental warehouse in the Romokalisari Warehouse Complex, Surabaya, East Java on May 13, 2026. (Photo: Antara)

Indonesia records highest-ever rice reserves

The figure marks the highest level of rice stocks in Indonesia’s history as the country steps up policies aimed at boosting agricultural output and strengthening national food security.

Philippines warns of power cuts as heat strains grids

Philippines warns of power cuts as heat strains grids

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) issued a red alert, warning of potential outages of up to seven hours in 32 areas across the Visayas grid, and hour-long outages in nine areas across Luzon, including the capital Manila.

Myanmar steps up efforts to prevent cybercrime

Myanmar steps up efforts to prevent cybercrime

A Myanmar bill proposes the death penalty as the highest punishment for individuals who illegally abduct, abuse, torture or detain others to coerce them into committing online fraud. It also proposes a maximum sentence of life imprisonment for individuals directly operating scam centres or engaging in fraud involving digital currencies.

Vietnam win 3–2 over the UAE in the final Group C match of the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 in Saudi Arabia on early May 14 (Vietnam time). (Photo: Vietnam Football Federation)

Thai media hail Vietnam U17s after dramatic comeback victory

The Thai Youth Football fanpage published an article praising the Vietnamese “golden star warriors” for displaying extraordinary fighting spirit in overturning the match to defeat the UAE 3–2, thereby topping Group C for the first time and earning a place at the U17 World Cup in Qatar later this year.

Electric vehicles line up at charging ports in a Manila mall. (Photo: philstar.com)

Philippines moves closer to launching EV incentive programme

Secretary of Finance Frederick Go said on May 13 the EV Incentive Strategy (EVIS) may be released soon. The EVIS has already been presented to President Marcos, but the Board of Investments (BOI) is still working with other agencies in the Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB) on the details of the programme.

Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong speaks at SGLaw200 Youth Forum on May 13 (Photo: channelnewsasia)

Singaporean PM calls for balance between AI safety, innovation

The PM cautioned that deeper integration of AI into sectors such as healthcare and autonomous vehicles could pose greater challenges, including wrong medical diagnoses and fatal self-driving car incidents, raising critical questions over liability for AI-related failures.

Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong speaks at the Singapore Business Federation’s Future Economy Conference on May 13. (Photo: channelnewsasia.com)

Singapore releases new strategy to boost growth, create good jobs

The review identified major challenges, including geopolitical tensions, rapid technological advancements, global shift towards low-carbon economy, and demographic pressures. To address these issues, the ESR Committees outlined three core priorities - sharpening Singapore’s value proposition, enhancing agility and adaptability, and building resilience alongside efficiency.

Illustrative image (Photo: TASS)

Indonesia, Russia discuss nuclear power cooperation

The two sides discussed promising areas of Russian – Indonesian cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, including the development of nuclear power projects, nuclear infrastructure, personnel training, and non-energy applications of nuclear technology.