Singapore and the US signed a defence cooperation agreement (DCA) in Washington on December 8.
It is expected to open an ambitious and future-oriented bilateral defence cooperation framework.
A joint statement released after the signing ceremony said that the two sides reiterated their long-lasting bilateral defence cooperation. Carter thanked Singapore for providing logistics support for US military aircraft and vessels in the region.
The Singapore Defence Ministry’s statement also noted that the two sides look forward the deployment of the US’s third Littoral Combat Ship to Singapore in 2016.
They also applauded the deployment of the US’s P-8 Poseidon aircraft to Singapore from December 7-14, saying it is expected to provide timely support for regional humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) and maritime security efforts.