In his Facebook post on March 3, Ng Eng Hen said that during their phone talks,the two sides discussed security challenges in the region, including the persistentthreat of terrorism.
The minister said that he looks forward toworking closely with Austin to ensure that the region continues to enjoystability, peace and progress.
The phone talks was a meeting of minds, shared perspectives and values on thefoundations of stability and progress - the rule of law, peaceful settlement ofdisputes, multilateral cooperation and mutual benefits, according to the Singaporeanminister.
Meanwhile, in a statement on March 4, the US Department of Defence saidthe two ministers reaffirmed their mutual commitment to the US-Singaporebilateral defence relationship.
Austin also expressed appreciationfor the regional access that Singapore provides to US forces, and both leadersexpressed interest in further collaboration on counterterrorism./.
VNA