SINGAPORE - The Malaysian Chief of Defence Force was given Singapore's highest military award by President Tony Tan Keng Yam on Wednesday.

General Zulkifeli Mohd Zin received the Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang (Tentera), or Distinguished Service Order (Military), for improving relations between the Malaysian and Singaporean armed forces, as well as expanding the scope and depth of their interaction, the Defence Ministry said in a statement.

The two armed forces work together at both the bilateral level, in activities such as Exercise Semangat Bersatu, and at the mulilateral level, within the Five Power Defence Arrangements and the Malacca Strait Patrols.

During a two-day visit, General Zulkifeli has met Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen and Chief of Defence Ng Chee Meng. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepen strong bilateral defence ties.