Malaysian Navy Chief Embarks on Introductory Visit to Singapore
Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) chief Admiral Datuk Zulhelmy Ithnain has commenced a three-day introductory visit to Singapore, where he met with Singapore Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen.
Bilateral Defence Relations
During their meeting at the Singapore Defence Ministry (Mindef), both leaders reaffirmed the importance of maintaining strong ties between the navies of the two countries and discussed regional security developments. According to Mindef, "Zulhelmy’s visit underscores the warm and long-standing bilateral defence relations between Singapore and Malaysia."
Strengthening Naval Ties
Admiral Zulhelmy also called on the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) chief Rear-Admiral Sean Wat, where they discussed opportunities to strengthen the relationship between the two navies.
Programme of Events
As part of his programme, Admiral Zulhelmy will visit RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base on Thursday and the Information Fusion Centre, a regional Maritime Security centre situated at the Changi Command and Control Centre (CC2C). He will also attend the opening ceremony of Exercise Malapura 2024 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the flagship bilateral exercise between the RSN and RMN, which will be conducted from November 13 to 24.
Regular Bilateral Exercises
The RSN and RMN interact regularly through bilateral exercises, visits, and professional exchanges. Beyond collaborative efforts to safeguard regional maritime security through the Malacca Straits Patrol, the two navies also engage through exercises held under multilateral platforms such as the Five Power Defence Arrangements, the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM), and the ADMM-Plus. According to Mindef, these interactions have enhanced the mutual understanding and professional ties between the two navies.
Conclusion
Admiral Zulhelmy’s visit underscores the warm and long-standing bilateral defence relations between Singapore and Malaysia. The regular bilateral exercises and professional exchanges between the RSN and RMN demonstrate the commitment of the two navies to safeguarding regional maritime security.
FAQs
- What is the purpose of Admiral Zulhelmy’s visit to Singapore?
- The visit aims to strengthen bilateral defence relations between Singapore and Malaysia and discuss regional security developments.
- What are the areas of cooperation between the RSN and RMN?
- The two navies cooperate through bilateral exercises, visits, and professional exchanges, as well as through multilateral platforms such as the Five Power Defence Arrangements, the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM), and the ADMM-Plus.
- What is the significance of Exercise Malapura 2024?
- The exercise commemorates the 40th anniversary of the flagship bilateral exercise between the RSN and RMN, and demonstrates the commitment of the two navies to safeguarding regional maritime security.