MFA Press Statement: Visit by Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean to Australia, 12 September 2017

DPM Teo Chee Hean with PM Malcolm Turnbull [Photo: MFA]

DPM Teo Chee Hean with DPM Barnaby Joyce, SMS Sim Ann and MP Saktiandi Supaat [Photo: MFA]

        Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean visited Canberra from 10 to 12 September 2017, to strengthen ties with members of the Australian Cabinet and Shadow Cabinet, and explore ways to enhance bilateral relations between Singapore and Australia.  He met Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop, Attorney-General George Brandis, Minister for Defence Marise Payne, Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Peter Dutton, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Steven Ciobo, and Minister for Justice Michael Keenan. DPM Teo also met Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong, Shadow Minister for Defence Richard Marles, and Shadow Minister for Trade and Investment and Shadow Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Jason Clare. DPM Teo was briefed by Chair of Innovation and Science Australia Bill Ferris on Australia’s implementation of its Innovation and Science Agenda.

           DPM Teo also laid a wreath at the Australian War Memorial in commemoration of Australians who had died in wars involving Australia, including those who were involved in the defence of Singapore during World War II.    

           During the meetings with PM Turnbull and DPM Joyce, the Australian leaders expressed appreciation for the enhanced bilateral relations, especially following the signing of the Joint Declaration on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in June 2015. DPM Teo and the Australian leaders reaffirmed the  good progress achieved under the CSP, including in the areas of trade, defence, innovation, culture and people-to-people. During DPM Teo’s meetings with Attorney-General Brandis, Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Dutton and Minister for Justice Keenan, both sides discussed strengthening counter-terrorism cooperation. DPM Teo had a good exchange of views on regional and international developments in his meetings with Ministers from the Australian Government and the Shadow Cabinet.

           DPM Teo was accompanied by Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry, and Culture, Community and Youth Sim Ann and Member of Parliament Saktiandi Supaat. The delegation concludes the visit to Australia today.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

12 SEPTEMBER 2017