Japan-Singapore Defense Ministers’ Video Teleconference

December 7, 2020
Japan Ministry of Defense
in Japanese

On December 7, 2020, Minister KISHI held a video teleconference with Minister for Defence of the Republic of Singapore, Dr Ng Eng Hen.

  1. Dr Ng Eng Hen congratulated Minister Kishi on his appointment as Minister of Defense. Minister Kishi expressed his appreciation.
  2. Minister Kishi and Minister Ng exchanged views on the regional security issues and shared understanding that free and open maritime order based on the rule of law is important. Minister Kishi also expressed that Japan strongly opposes any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo by coercion and any activities that escalate tensions.
  3. They welcomed that bilateral defense cooperation and exchanges have been promoted despite the COVID-19 pandemic, represented by Japan-Singapore Military to Military (MM) Dialogue conducted face-to-face in Singapore last month.
  4. They also concurred in promoting bilateral defense cooperation in the context of preventing the spread of infectious diseases, including sharing expertise and lessons learned during disaster relief operations, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this regard, Minister Kishi explained the infection-preventative measures the Japan Self-Defense Forces had undertaken in their disaster relief operation during the COVID-19 pandemic by referring to a relevant document.
  5. Furthermore, the two ministers also concurred in strengthening defense cooperation and exchanges between both countries in support of an inclusive and open regional security architecture, while maintaining close communication between respective defense establishments.