I RECENTLY had the opportunity to once again visit the Lion City and confer with the Prime Minister, the Minister for Defence and Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew.

My visit was part of the fifth annual Shangri-La Defence Conference, which also afforded the opportunity to meet many other defence ministers from around Asia.

As always, I was struck by the energy, zest and prosperity of your clean and beautiful city.

Having visited many times over the years, I remain an enormous fan of Singapore, a vital ally and friend of the United States of America.

Thank you so much for your warm hospitality and all that you contribute to this vibrant Pacific region and to the world community.

I look forward to my next visit.

Donald H. Rumsfeld
United States
Secretary of Defence