The Chief of Army of the Malaysian Armed Forces General (GEN) Mohammad bin Ab Rahman called on Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) this afternoon. During their meeting, Dr Ng and GEN Mohammad reaffirmed the importance of maintaining strong ties between the Singapore Army and the Malaysian Army, and discussed how to strengthen defence cooperation to deal with common security challenges in the region.

GEN Mohammad, who is in Singapore from 7 to 9 May 2023 for his introductory visit, also called on Chief of Defence Force Rear-Admiral Aaron Beng and Chief of Army Major-General (MG) David Neo after inspecting a Guard-of-Honour at MINDEF. As part of his programme, GEN Mohammad will visit the Headquarters 3rd Singapore Division at Jurong Camp, where he will be viewing a static display of Army platforms and equipment. He will also co-officiate with MG David Neo the opening ceremony of Exercise Semangat Bersatu, an annual bilateral exercise between the Singapore Armed Forces and the Malaysian Armed Forces.

GEN Mohammad's visit underscores the warm and long-standing bilateral defence relationship between Singapore and Malaysia. Both armies interact regularly across a wide range of activities, including bilateral exercises, visits, professional exchanges, cross-attendance of courses, as well as through multilateral platforms like the Five Power Defence Arrangements and the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus. These interactions have enhanced mutual understanding and professional ties between personnel of both armies.