FRENCH MILITARY CHIEF CONFERRED TOP HONOURS IN SINGAPORE

General (GEN) Jean-Louis Georgelin, the Chief of the Defence Staff of the French Armed Forces (FAF), was conferred Singapore's highest military award, the Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang (Tentera), or the Distinguished Service Order (Military), by President S R Nathan at the Istana on 26 Nov.

The medal was awarded to GEN Georgelin for his significant contributions in strengthening the excellent defence ties between the FAF and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

Professional military interactions and defence collaborations between the two armed forces have increased in scope and depth under GEN Georgelin's leadership and guidance.

In particular, his support for the Republic of Singapore Air Force's Advanced Jet Training detachment in Cazaux and the Republic of Singapore Navy's Frigate Programme have provided invaluable opportunities for the SAF personnel to hone their operational skills and benefit professionally from regular contact with their French counterparts.

These interactions have also fostered mutual understanding and rapport between the officers and men of the two armed forces.

Present at the investiture were Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean, Minister for Education and Second Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen and Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General (LG) Desmond Kuek, as well as other senior government officials and military officers from Singapore and France.

GEN Georgelin, who is in Singapore for a two-day visit from 25 to 26 Nov, had earlier called on LG Kuek at the Ministry of Defence, and on Mr Teo at the Istana before the investiture.