WASHINGTON -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Pentagon, March 28, to reaffirm the enduring U.S.-Singapore bilateral defense relationship.

The two leaders discussed a broad range of issues, to include Russia’s unprovoked and pre-meditated invasion of Ukraine. Each leader complimented the resiliency and resolve of the Ukrainian people and Ukraine’s Armed Forces. Secretary Austin thanked Prime Minster Lee for his strong statements and actions condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, to include Singapore’s unilateral sanctions and export controls on Russia.

Secretary Austin reiterated the U.S. commitment to continued joint training and bilateral force posture opportunities with Singapore, while collaboratively addressing security challenges in the Indo-Pacific. The Secretary and Prime Minister closed the meeting by reiterating their commitment to supporting the security, stability, and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific, and to building an even more capable defense relationship that is based on a shared foundation of common interests and values.