New Zealand Defence Minister Calls on Dr Tan 30 Sep 1998 The New Zealand Minister for Defence, the Honourable Mr Max Bradford, called on the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Dr Tony Tan, this morning, 30 Sep 98, at the Ministry of Defence, Gombak Drive. Upon his arrival at MINDEF, Mr Bradford reviewed a Guard-of-Honour. Mr Bradford is here on his introductory visit from 29 Sep to 2 Oct 98. Mr Bradford will call on Acting Prime Minister BG (NS) Lee Hsien Loong, and deliver the second lecture in the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies (IDSS) "Strategic Challenges of the Asia Pacific" lecture series on 2 Oct 98. On the same day, Mr Bradford will visit the inaugural Ex SINGKIWI, a bilateral exercise between the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF), at Paya Lebar Air Base (PLAB). RNZAF A-4K Skyhawks, and RSAF F-5 Tiger, F-16 Fighting Falcon and A-4SU Super Skyhawk fighter aircraft are conducting a range of air training activities under the exercise from 21 Sep to 2 Oct 98. Whilst at PLAB, he will also be shown the RSAF's Air Combat Manoeuvring Instrumentation (ACMI) system. Mr Bradford's programme includes visits to SAFTI Military Institute, Tuas Naval Base, Headquarters Artillery, Tengah Air Base, and Changi Air Base for the annual Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) Training Affiliation between the RNZAF's P-3K squadron and the RSAF's Fokker 50 squadron. Singapore and New Zealand have a long-standing defence relationship, and this has strengthened significantly in recent years. The two countries have worked closely together in contributing to regional security and stability. They are both committed to the objectives and activities of the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA), which continues to be an important component of the regional security framework. The cooperation and interactions between the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) have intensified (the initiation of Ex SINGKIWI being a good example), and this has enhanced their professionalism and interoperability, and fostered closer ties. Singapore values 1 the opportunities provided by the New Zealand Government and the support given by the NZDF for SAF training in New Zealand. 2 .