The Chief of the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN), Rear Admiral (RADM) John Martin called on Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) this morning. RADM Martin, who is in Singapore for his introductory visit from 21 to 23 February 2017, also called on Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Perry Lim and Chief of Navy RADM Lai Chung Han, and inspected a Guard of Honour at MINDEF. As part of his programme, RADM Martin visited the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)'s Littoral Mission Vessel at Tuas Naval Base yesterday and will be visiting the Changi Naval Base tomorrow. 

RADM Martin's introductory visit underscores the close and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and New Zealand. The RSN and the RNZN interact regularly through professional exchanges, visits, cross-attendance of professional courses, bilateral exercises such as Exercise Lion Zeal, and multilateral exercises under the ambit of the Five Power Defence Arrangements, the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus, and the Western Pacific Naval Symposium. These interactions have strengthened the mutual trust and interoperability between the two navies, as well as the professional rapport and ties between their personnel.