Singapore, Australia sign defense pact

Singapore, Australia sign defense pact (NSI News Source Info) SINGAPORE, August 13, 2008 - The prime ministers of Singapore and Australia Tuesday signed an agreement to further strengthen bilateral defense ties. During the signing ceremony and in their meeting, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, who is in Singapore for a one-day visit, and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong characterized the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Defense Cooperation as a natural progression in the expansion of bilateral defense ties. They expressed their shared conviction that the MOU will enhance the defense relationship between Australia and Singapore, said a joint statement. The broad pact aims to expand military cooperation between the two countries, and will promote the sharing of resources and the development of military expertise. "Both countries will also cooperate through exercises and operations, in areas such as humanitarian and disaster relief, search and rescue and peace support," said an individual statement by Singapore's Defense Ministry. The pact also advocates cooperation in defense technology research and calls for annual meetings to be held between officials from the Australian Department of Defense and the Singapore Ministry of Defense. The agreement "demonstrates the importance both countries place on bilateral military interactions and the political support from both countries for the various training arrangements between their armed forces," Singapore's Defense Ministry said. Singapore and Australia have been partners in the Five Power Defense Arrangements since 1971, and Singapore's Armed Forces trains regularly in facilities in Australia.