BANGKOK : Singapore and Thailand have entered into a long-term agreement which will allow their air forces to conduct training in both countries.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed on Friday between the defence ministers of the two countries.
This comes at the end of Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsieng Loong's introductory visit to the kingdom.
The Singapore Armed Forces has been training in Thailand for nearly 30 years.
Together with the United States, Singapore and Thailand also hold joint air exercises annually.
Cooperation between the two air forces will be further enhanced with the signing of the MOU on mutual training and logistics support.
Singapore's Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean said this would allow for more aircraft detachments and advanced training opportunities.
Rear-Admiral Teo said: "Thailand is a good friend of Singapore. We share the strategic view on closer security and cooperation. We have been able to work closely over the years. It is a relationship of trust with a high comfort level we have with our friends in Thailand and it is mutual."
The agreement will see about two to three deployments each year.
Singapore and Thailand already have several partnerships in different areas - from the Civil Service exchange programme to the enhanced economic relationship.
The MOU between the two air forces serves to continue the momentum of bilateral cooperation, pushing the relationship forward yet again.
On Thursday, Mr Lee also called on Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej at the King's palace in Hua Hin.
Mr Lee was accompanied by Mrs Lee, Admiral Teo and Acting Finance Minister Raymond Lim.
Mr Lee has returned to Singapore. - CNA