Minister of State for Defence Meets French Defence Minister in Paris

Minister of State for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman (left) calling on French Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian (right).

Minister of State for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman called on French Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian yesterday at the Hôtel de Brienne, Ministère de la Défense, as part of his official visit to France. During the meeting, Dr Maliki and Mr Le Drian reaffirmed both countries' commitment to strengthening defence cooperation and discussed security developments of mutual interest.

At the invitation of the French Ministry of Defence, Dr Maliki also attended the 51st International Paris Air Show at Le Bourget, Paris yesterday. While in France, Dr Maliki will also visit the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)'s Advanced Jet Training detachment at Cazaux Air Base today, where he will meet RSAF personnel in the detachment and as well as experience the M-346 Full Mission Simulator. The M-346 aircraft was recently inaugurated by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen in September 2014 and is operated by the 150 Squadron.

Dr Maliki's visit underscores the strong and broad-based defence relationship between Singapore and France, which is underpinned by the RSAF's Advanced Jet Training in France, as well as regular interactions between both armed forces and defence establishments. These wide-ranging interactions, comprising high-level meetings, exercises and cross attendance of courses and dialogues, have strengthened the friendship and mutual understanding between both countries.

Dr Maliki (second from right) being briefed during a tour of the exhibits at the Paris Air Show.

Dr Maliki (left) experiencing the M-346 Full Mission Simulator while being briefed by Commanding Officer of 150 Squadron LTC Kelvin Wan.

Dr Maliki (extreme left), accompanied by CO of 150 Squadron LTC Wan, interacting with pilot trainees during his visit to the RSAF's Advanced Training detachment at Cazaux Air Base.