SAFTI MI's Partnership with People's Liberation Army National Defence University strengthens People-to-People Ties

Commandant SAFTI Military Institute (MI) Rear-Admiral Giam Hock Koon (left) and President People's Liberation Army National Defence University (PLA NDU) General Zhang Shibo after signing the Memorandum of Cooperation between SAFTI MI and the PLA NDU.

SAFTI Military Institute (SAFTI MI) and the People's Liberation Army National Defence University (PLA NDU) have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC).

The MOC with the PLA NDU, the second between SAFTI MI and a foreign military institution, was signed by Commandant SAFTI MI Rear-Admiral (RADM) Giam Hock Koon and his Chinese counterpart, President PLA NDU General (GEN) Zhang Shibo on 4 July 2016 at the PLA NDU in Beijing, China. Under this partnership, both institutions will exchange visits by teaching staff and students, and cross-attend seminars. The signing of the MOC creates more opportunities for increased people-to-people interactions between both defence establishments, in line with the Four-Point Consensus agreed upon during Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen's visit to China in November 2014.

Prior to the signing of the MOC, RADM Giam met with GEN Zhang at the PLA NDU, where they highlighted the warm and friendly bilateral defence relationship between Singapore and China, and discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the two institutions. As part of his official visit from 3 to 7 July 2016, RADM Giam will also visit the PLA Air Force Command College, and PLA Navy Submarine Academy.