BANGKOK : Singapore and Thailand have entered into a long-term
agreement which will allow their air forces to conduct training in
both countries.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed on Friday between the
defence ministers of the two countries.
This comes at the end of Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsieng
Loong's introductory visit to the kingdom.
The Singapore Armed Forces has been training in Thailand for nearly
30 years.
Together with the United States, Singapore and Thailand also hold
joint air exercises annually.
Cooperation between the two air forces will be further enhanced
with the signing of the MOU on mutual training and logistics
support.
Singapore's Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean said this would allow
for more aircraft detachments and advanced training
opportunities.
Rear-Admiral Teo said: "Thailand is a good friend of Singapore. We
share the strategic view on closer security and cooperation. We
have been able to work closely over the years. It is a relationship
of trust with a high comfort level we have with our friends in
Thailand and it is mutual."
The agreement will see about two to three deployments each
year.
Singapore and Thailand already have several partnerships in
different areas - from the Civil Service exchange programme to the
enhanced economic relationship.
The MOU between the two air forces serves to continue the momentum
of bilateral cooperation, pushing the relationship forward yet
again.
On Thursday, Mr Lee also called on Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej at
the King's palace in Hua Hin.
Mr Lee was accompanied by Mrs Lee, Admiral Teo and Acting Finance
Minister Raymond Lim.
Mr Lee has returned to Singapore. - CNA