Hagel Meets with Malaysia, Singapore Leaders at Shangri-La

You are subscribed to American Forces News Articles for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Hagel Meets with Malaysia, Singapore Leaders at Shangri-La 06/02/2013 06:00 AM CDT Hagel Meets with Malaysia, Singapore Leaders at Shangri-La By Karen Parrish American Forces Press Service SINGAPORE, June 2, 2013 - Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel met with counterparts from Singapore and Malaysia this weekend following his speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue and a series of bilateral and trilateral meetings yesterday. Hagel is attending the 2013 Asia-Pacific security conference that this year drew hundreds of political and military leaders and experts from 27 countries on the region and beyond. Hagel met separately here yesterday with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen to discuss a range of regional security issues, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said. "Prime Minister Lee and Defense Minister Ng welcomed the U.S. rebalance to the Asia-Pacific region and noted the importance of robust U.S. engagement in the region," Little said. "They also reaffirmed the importance of the United States forward deploying on a rotational basis its first littoral combat ships to Singapore to enable the United States to increase its engagement with the region." During the meetings, Hagel thanked the Singaporean leaders and people for their contributions to coalition operations, including in Afghanistan, Little said. Hagel met today with Malaysian Defense Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, Little said. The press secretary said bilateral defense cooperation with Malaysia continues to grow, particularly through exercises, trainings, and interoperability, and reflects the importance each country places on the strengthening relationship. During the meeting, he said, both leaders emphasized the importance of working bilaterally and multilaterally towards greater stability in Southeast Asia and beyond. They also discussed cyber issues and transnational threats. Hagel received an invitation to visit Malaysia and accepted, Little said. Hagel thanked Hishammuddin for Malaysian Armed Forces medical personnel who will continue to play an important role contributing to stability in Afghanistan," Little said. Biographies: Chuck Hagel Related Sites: Shangri-La Dialogue Travels With Hagel   Defense Department News Through Facebook On American Forces Press Service's Facebook page, you can post comments and share news, photos and videos. Go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Forces-Press-Service/65137437532 or search for American Forces Press Service at Facebook.com. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time by clicking on your 'User Profile' page at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOD/subscriber/edit?preferences=true#tab1. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Have another inquiry? Visit the online FAQ at http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx for up-to-date information. Get the help you, your family, and fellow servicemembers need, when you need it. Visit www.WarriorCare.mil to learn more. Check out the National Resource Directory at www.nationalresourcedirectory.org, a new web-based resource for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, their families, families of the fallen and those who support them from the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of Defense. Visit us on the web at http://www.defense.gov/. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense