Newly-appointed Malaysian Minister of Defence Mohamad Sabu called on Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana today. ― Picture by FIrdaus Latif

SINGAPORE, June 1 — Newly-appointed Malaysian Minister of Defence Mohamad Sabu called on Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana today on the sidelines of the 17th Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD).

During their meeting, Lee congratulated Mohamad on his appointment as defence minister, according to a statement issued by Singapore Ministry of Defence.

The statement said Lee and Mohamad affirmed the close relations and extensive cooperation between Singapore and Malaysia.

They also discussed continuing existing defence cooperation between Singapore and Malaysia, including on multilateral platforms such as the Asean Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and the ADMM-Plus, the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA), and the Malacca Straits Patrol, for the benefit of both countries.

Mohamad is in Singapore for the 17th SLD.

During his time in Singapore, Mohamad will also call on Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean, and meet Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen.

He will also meet the FPDA Defence Ministers at an informal breakfast hosted by Dr Ng, said the statement. — Bernama