Defense-Technology News: DTN News - SINGAPORE DEFENSE NEWS: President Nathan Confers Top Military Award On Thai Chief Of Defence Forces

DTN News - SINGAPORE DEFENSE NEWS: President Nathan Confers Top Military Award On Thai Chief Of Defence Forces

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources MinDef Singapore dated Jan 13, 2011

(NSI News Source Info) SINGAPORE - January 15, 2011: The Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTARF) Chief of Defence Forces General (GEN) Songkitti Jaggabatara, was conferred Singapore's highest military award, the Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang (Tentera) [or Distinguished Service Order (Military)], by President S R Nathan at the Istana this afternoon.

The medal was awarded to GEN Songkitti for his significant role in strengthening the excellent defence ties between the RTARF and the Singapore Armed Forces. Under his leadership, the close and longstanding defence relationship between Singapore and Thailand has grown in scope and depth. GEN Songkitti's support for a closer cooperation between the two defence establishments has enhanced understanding and personal friendships between the officers and men of both armed forces.

Guests at the investiture included Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean, Minister for Education and Second Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen, Permanent Secretary for Defence Chiang Chie Foo and Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General (LG) Neo Kian Hong, along with other senior government officials and military officers from Singapore and Thailand.

GEN Songkitti, who is on an official visit to Singapore from 12 to 14 Jan 2011, also called on Mr Teo and LG Neo at the Ministry of Defence this morning.