Secretary of Defense Patrick M. Shanahan met with Singapore Minister for Defense Dr. Ng Eng Hen in Munich, Germany on the margins of the Munich Security Conference.  During their meeting, the two leaders reaffirmed their mutual commitment to the U.S.-Singapore defense relationship with Acting Secretary Shanahan noting Singapore's recent decision to procure the F-35.

Acting Secretary Shanahan expressed appreciation to Dr. Ng for the access Singapore provides to U.S. forces noting the positive role the United States plays in the region.

Finally, Acting Secretary Shanahan reiterated his commitment to a permanent Singapore fighter presence on Guam and expressed support for regionally-led counterterrorism initiatives, like Singapore's Counter-Terrorism Information Facility (CTIF).