New NZ defence chief visits Singapore, meets Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen

SINGAPORE - New Zealand's Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant-General (LG) Timothy Keating, called on Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen on Friday.

LG Keating, who is in Singapore for a three-day introductory visit, also called on his Singaporean counterpart, Major-General Perry Lim.

Before he leaves on Saturday, LG Keating visited the Information Fusion Centre and the Multi-Mission Range Complex.

According to a statement by the Defence Ministry, LG Keating's visit underscores the close and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and New Zealand. It said that the armed forces of both countries interact regularly through joint exercises such as Exercise Lion Walk, Exercise Pitch Black, professional exchanges, and cross-attendance of courses.

Both armed forces also have a long history of operational cooperation, as well as engagements under the ambit of the Five Power Defence Arrangements and the Asean Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus, the statement added.

"These extensive interactions have enhanced the interoperability between the two armed forces, as well as the professional rapport and ties between their personnel."

jermync@sph.com.sg

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