Secretary of Defense Spokesperson CAPT Jeff Davis provided the following readout:
Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis met with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in Singapore on June 1 on the sidelines of the International Institute for Strategic Studies’ 17th Asia Security Summit, also known as the Shangri-La Dialogue.
During their meeting, the Secretary and Prime Minister reaffirmed the excellent and long-standing bilateral defense relationship between the United States and Singapore. Secretary Mattis underscored that Singapore is a trusted strategic partner. The two leaders exchanged views on the regional security environment and discussed a range of mutual security interests and opportunities for cooperation. With regard to the South China Sea, they reaffirmed the importance of peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law. Secretary Mattis reaffirmed support for ASEAN centrality and emphasized the important role ASEAN has to play as part of the U.S. vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. Secretary Mattis expressed appreciation for the access Singapore provides to U.S. forces with Prime Minister Lee noting the positive force the United States plays in the region. The Secretary thanked Singapore for offering to host the U.S.-North Korea Summit.