Singapore offers flood aid to Australia

DPM Teo Conveys Empathy and Offers SAF's Assistance in Response to Floods in Queensland, Australia
Source: Singapore Ministry of Defence
Posted: 04 Jan 2011, 1800 hours (Time is GMT +8 hours)

In response to media queries on the Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF's) assistance toward relief efforts in Queensland, Australia, MINDEF's spokesperson said: "Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean has written a letter to the Australian Minister for Defence Stephen Smith to express Singapore's empathy with the Australian government and people as they grapple with the floods in Queensland. Mr Teo mentioned that the SAF Chief of Defence Force (CDF), Lieutenant-General Neo Kian Hong, had over the New Year weekend conversed with the Australian CDF, Air Chief Marshal Allan Grant Houston, and offered the SAF's assistance.

Mr Teo has also written a letter to the Mayor of Rockhampton Brad Carter to express Singapore's empathy with the people of Rockhampton who have been affected by the floods. The SAF has been training in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area near Rockhampton over the past 20 years during the annual Exercise Wallaby. Mr Teo also offered Singapore's assistance to Mayor Carter and mentioned that the people of Rockhampton have always extended a warm welcome and hospitality to SAF soldiers when they train there.

The Australian authorities have expressed appreciation for Singapore's offers of assistance. Singapore notes that the Australian authorities are coping well with the situation and have replied that they will contact Singapore should Singapore's assistance be needed."