Singapore defence force chief visits Thailand

BANGKOK, January 20 (TNA) - Singapore Chief of Defence Force Major General Perry Lim Cheng Yeow is leading his delegation to pay an official visit to Thailand, scheduled for January 19-21, as the guest of the Royal Thai Armed Forces. The visiting Singapore defence force chief met Thai Supreme Commander General Sommai Kaotira at the Royal Thai Armed Forces headquarters on the outskirts of Bangkok on Wednesday, during which the former inspected the guards of honor before having a discussion with the Thai armed forces chief. At the meeting, the visiting Singapore defence force chief mentioned close military relations and cooperation between his island state and Thailand, including their exchange of security information, education and training, as well as partnership in the national defence industry. The visiting Singapore defence force chief also thanked the Royal Thai Armed Forces for inviting Singapore to join the annual Cobra Gold military exercises and arrangements for joint air and marine patrols of member countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) under the Malacca Straits Coordinated Patrol (MSCP) and the Eyes-in-the-Sky (EIS) Programs. The Singapore defence force chief noted that the activities ensure regional security and support the development of regional economy, confirming that Singapore is ready for comprehensive cooperation with the Royal Thai Armed Forces. The visiting Singapore defence force chief later led his delegation to meet Thai Deputy Defence Minister General Udomdej Sitabutr at the Ministry of Defence in the Thai capital. (TNA)