Singapore official arrives for security talks

Deputy Prime Minister and concurrent Defense Minister Dr. Tony Tan of Singapore arrives today for a three-day visit to the Philippines to discuss with Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes the growing concern of terrorist threats in the Southeast Asian region.

The visit will be highlighted by a call on President Arroyo Thursday after he discusses with Reyes and other leaders several issues related to defense and security, a statement released yesterday by the Department of National Defense (DND) said.

The DND-Office of Public Affairs said the visit, Tan’s second to Manila since 1995, underscores the deep and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries over the years, particularly in the areas of economics, defense and culture.

Tan’s visit will also provide an opportunity for a high-level exchange of views between the two countries on bilateral and regional security issues, especially in the Southeast Asian region, over the threat of terrorism.

Accompanying Tan are: Dr. Warren Lee, member of parliament; Col. Ang Aik Hwang Gary, director for policy of the ministry of defense; Col. Ng Tiong Lee, deputy assistant chief of the general staff (logistics); Lynette Tan, policy desk officer, ministry of defense, and Maj. Tan Chee Wee, officer-in-charge, 203rd squadron air force system brigade.

Tan is set to meet Secretary Reyes at the DND in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, to talk about defense cooperation concerns. Reyes went on an official visit to Singapore in August 2001.