DPM Teo Chee Hean (right) calling on Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in Bali. -- PHOTO: MINDEF
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BOTH Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean and Indonesian defence minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro attended the Exercise Elang Indopura 2010 at Ngurah Rai Air Base in Bali on Wednesday.
Participating in the 16th edition of the biennial exercises, are the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and Indonesia Air Force (TNI-AU). This marks the 30th year of the bilateral exercise since it began in 1980.
During their visit, DPM Teo and Dr Purnomo saw the launch of the Exercise Elang Indopura Commemorative Book, toured the airbase and took part in a tree-planting ceremony.
DPM Teo also called on Indonesian President Bambang Yudhoyono after his visit to the base. This year's exercise involved more than 350 personnel and 13 aircraft from the two air forces.
DPM Teo said: 'We have had very longstanding defence relations with Indonesia. It's been a very good relationship. It also allows officers from both countries to know each other very well and this has contributed to strong bilateral relations, as well as peace and security in the region. We hope that in the coming years, we will continue to build upon these strengths and develop the relationship further.'
Dr Purnomo added: 'From our side, I think we feel very happy for the good relations between Singapore and Indonesia, especially in the joint operations of the air forces. There is an idea that we are going to sit down and talk and discuss between the air forces and the defence ministries, how then we can get closer and enhance our cooperation.'
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