DIPLOMACY
FRENCH MILITARY CHIEF CONFERRED TOP HONOURS IN SINGAPORE
26 Nov 2009
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.
ALSO READ IN DIPLOMACY
17 countries launch new framework for cooperation on critical underwater infrastructure
30 May 2026
Launched on the sidelines of the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue, GUIDE is a new framework that brings together countries for defence cooperation in enhancing the security of Critical Underwater Infrastructure.
Going alone is not the answer to insecurity – Mr Chan
01 Jun 2025
“Going alone is not the answer to insecurity”, emphasised Minister for Defence Mr Chan Chun Sing at the Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD), held from 30 May to 1 Jun. This was one of his main points at his speech at the sixth plenary session on 1 Jun.
A call for peace at Shangri La Dialogue
02 Jun 2024
A repeated call for peace, especially in Asia. This was Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen's central message at the 21st Shangri La Dialogue (SLD), held from 31 May to 2 Jun.