Singapore, April 5, SPA -- The commander of the United States Army Pacific (USARPAC) met Tuesday with Singapore's defense minister as part of a visit underscoring the close defense relationship between the two countries. Lieutenant-General John Brown, on a three-day introductory visit to the city-state, also called on the defense force and army chiefs, the ministry said in a statement. Singapore's Armed Forces and USARPAC "interact regularly through exercises, professional exchanges, conferences and courses," it said. The city-state has been a staunch supporter of the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq. --SPA 1028 Local Time 0728 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/252191