The Chief of Staff of the Italian Air Force, Lieutenant General (LG) Enzo Vecciarelli, called on Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen this morning. LG Vecciarelli also called on Chief of Defence Force Major-General (MG) Melvyn Ong and Chief of Air Force Major-General Mervyn Tan, as well as reviewed a Guard of Honour at the Ministry of Defence earlier today.

During their meeting, Chief of Air Force MG Tan and LG Vecciarelli signed a revised Technical Arrangement that facilitates the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)'s continued participation in the Italian Air Force's Advanced Fighter Pilot Training Course. As part of his visit programme, LG Vecciarelli visited the RSAF's Air Force Training Command and Air Force Museum this afternoon. He will also visit the RSAF's Participation Command at Sembawang Air Base tomorrow morning. LG Vecciarelli is on his introductory visit to Singapore from 15 to 17 May 2018.

LG Vecciarelli's visit underscores the warm and growing bilateral defence relations between Singapore and Italy. The RSAF concluded their inaugural flying training deployment to Lecce Air Base in Italy last year. Both air forces also interact regularly through exercises and professional exchanges, which have bolstered the friendship and mutual understanding between the personnel of the two air forces.