Singapore Defence Minister, Ng Eng Hen, thanked his Indonesian counterpart General Ryamizard Ryacudu on Friday for arresting suspects linked to a Batam terror cell that was planning a rocket attack on Marina Bay in Singapore.
The defence ministers of both the nations had a meeting and they both agreed on the importance of strengthening mutual cooperation to counter the rising terrorism threats.
Dr Ng on his Facebook post said they discussed several issues including the conflicts regarding the South China Sea and ways to boost defence cooperation.
"I also strongly supported Indonesia's decision to form the Sulu Sea patrols with Malaysia and Philippines," Dr Ng wrote in his post.
He added: "Singapore stands ready to assist and I offered the help of Republic of Singapore Navy's Information Fusion Centre at Changi."
Dr Ng also said that Gen Ryamizard's leadership qualities in addressing regional security challenges were commendable.
In a press release, the Ministry of Defence said: "Both defence establishments interact regularly through exercises, visits, professional exchanges, and cross-attendance of courses. These interactions enhance mutual understanding and camaraderie between the two militaries. Singapore and Indonesia also interact at multilateral forums such as the Shangri-La Dialogue, the ASEAN Defence Minister's Meeting (ADMM) and the ADMM-Plus."
