Press Release
14 May 2019
Dr Ng: Strong Consensus for Common Rules Necessary to Keep Seas Open and Secure
1. Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen
opened the 12th International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference
(IMDEX) Asia at the Changi Exhibition Centre this morning.
2. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr Ng
stressed the importance of consensus for common rules for safe and secure seas
and the peace and prosperity of all nations. He said, “Today, global
connectivity has increased leaps and bounds through air, land, sea and the
internet. But the seas still hold powerful forces that can continue to shape the
destinies of our countries, individually or collectively. Indeed, as global
commerce has increased, so too has the significance of sea lines of
communication as global arteries for trade.” He added that “maritime history teaches us that whenever and wherever
there is conflict on the seas, surrounding countries and their common folk
invariably suffer…and because so much depends on the seas, we need a strong
consensus from all countries for common rules for the seas and their use.”
3. Dr Ng also underscored the need for
navies to work collectively to address evolving maritime security threats,
adding that collaboration and cooperation through initiatives like IMDEX Asia
are key for militaries to build confidence and trust.
4. In attendance at the opening ceremony
were 26 defence and navy chiefs, vice navy chiefs, and directors-general of
coast guards, as well as participants from more than 40 nations. More than 230
exhibitors from around the world are participating in this year's exhibition,
while 25 warships from 15 countries are taking part in this year's IMDEX Asia
Warships Display.
5. After the opening ceremony, Dr Ng
visited defence technology and shipbuilding exhibitors, before viewing the foreign
warships at RSS Singapura – Changi
Naval Base. Dr Ng visited USS William P.
Lawrence from the United States Navy,
Xiangtan from the People’s Liberation Army Navy, and JS Izumo from the Japan Maritime
Self-Defense Force.
6. In conjunction with IMDEX Asia 2019,
the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) is co-organising the 6th International
Maritime Security Conference with the S. Rajaratnam School of International
Studies from 14 to 15 May 2019. The RSN is also hosting the Maritime
Information-Sharing Exercise during this period. These exchanges provide
excellent opportunities for navies and maritime agencies to exchange views,
strengthen friendships, and forge practical cooperation.
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