TNI chief awarded in Singapore

TNI chief awarded in Singapore

SINGAPORE, Feb 3 (AFP) - Indonesia's defence force chief, General Endriartono Sutarto, received Singapore's highest military award here Tuesday for his efforts to forge closer defence ties between the nations. Singapore President S.R. Nathan conferred the Distinguished Service Order (Military) on Sutarto in a ceremony at the presidential Istana complex, the defence ministry said in a statement. Sutarto received the award "in recognition of his role in forging closer ties between the Singapore Armed Forces and the Indonesian National Defence Forces", the statement said. "His support for professional exchanges between the two armed forces has encouraged greater interactions, strengthening the professional rapport and camaraderie between the officers and men of both countries." Sutarto was due to meet President Goh Chok Tong later Tuesday.