New Zealand Army Chief calls on Minister for Defence

Major-General Arthur David Gawn inspecting the Guard of Honour at MINDEF.

The Chief of Army of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), Major-General (MG) Arthur David Gawn, called on Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the Ministry of Defence this morning. MG Gawn, who is on an introductory visit to Singapore from 16 to 20 April 2014, had earlier called on Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Ng Chee Meng and Chief of Army Brigadier-General Perry Lim.

MG Gawn will visit Headquarters Singapore Artillery, SAFTI Military Institute and the Multi Mission Range Complex later today as part of his visit. MG Gawn will also attend the Officer Cadet Course Commissioning Parade on Saturday where Army and Air Force officer cadets will be commissioned as officers of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). A New Zealand officer cadet will be commissioned at the parade.

MG Gawn's visit underscores the close and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and New Zealand. The SAF and the NZDF interact regularly through bilateral and multilateral training exercises, professional exchanges, visits and courses. Both armed forces also interact under the ambit of the Five Power Defence Arrangements and the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus. These extensive interactions have enhanced the interoperability and mutual understanding among the personnel of both armed forces.

Chief of Army of the New Zealand Defence Force, Major-General Arthur David Gawn calling on Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen.

MG Gawn receiving a brief at the Headquarters Singapore Artillery.

MG Gawn firing a SAR-21 rifle at the Multi-Mission Range Complex.