Indonesian Defence Minister Lieutenant General (LG)(Rtd) Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin is conducting his introductory visit to Singapore on 20 Jan 2025, and will be delivering the special address at the 13th International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) Sherpa Meeting this evening. LG(Rtd) Sjafrie was welcomed by a Guard of Honour at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and met with Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen.

During their meeting, both Ministers reaffirmed the close and long-standing bilateral defence relationship between Singapore and Indonesia. They discussed ways to promote closer interactions and cooperation between our defence establishments, as part of the Defence Cooperation Agreement which entered into force in March 24. They also exchanged views on regional security challenges and discussed ways to advance security cooperation at multilateral forums such as the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and the ADMM-Plus.

LG(Rtd) Sjafrie is in Singapore with a delegation of senior Indonesian officials. As part of his introductory visit, LG(Rtd) Sjafrie also called on Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong this afternoon.

Sjafrie’s visit underscores the strength of defence relations between Singapore and Indonesia. Both defence establishments interact regularly through exercises, visits, professional exchanges and cross-attendance of courses. These interactions enhance mutual understanding, strengthen people-to-people ties and professionalism between both militaries.