Malaysian Gen Zulkiple's Visit To S'pore Underscores Long-Standing Defence Relations

By Massita Ahmad SINGAPORE, Feb 10 (Bernama) -- Chief of the Army of the Malaysian Armed Forces General Zulkiple Kassim's visit to Singapore underscores the warm and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and Malaysia. Zulkiple, who is in Singapore for an introductory visit for three days from Feb 8, called on Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) early Friday morning. Zulkiple also called on Chief of Army Major-General Melvyn Ong on Friday after inspecting a Guard of Honour at the MINDEF. In a statement, the MINDEF said the armies of both countries interact regularly on a range of activities. They include professional exchanges, the annual bilateral Exercise Semangat Bersatu, and multilateral activities under the ambit of the Five-Power Defence Arrangements and ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus framework. These interactions have enhanced the mutual understanding and friendship between the two armies, said MINDEF. As part of his programme, Zulkiple also visited the Headquarters of the Third Singapore Division on Thursday. First conducted in 1989, Exercise Semangat Bersatu serves as an important and valuable platform for professional exchanges and personnel-to-personnel interactions between the armed forces from Singapore (SAF) and Malaysia (MAF). --BERNAMA