Chief of the Royal New Zealand Navy Rear Admiral John Martin called on Singapore's Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen on Wednesday, Singapore's Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

Martin, who is in the city state for a three-day introductory visit, also called on Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Perry Lim and Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Lai Chung Han, and inspected a Guard of Honor at the ministry.

The ministry said Martin's visit underscores the close and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and New Zealand.

The two navies interact regularly through professional exchanges, visits, cross-attendance of professional courses, bilateral exercises, as well as multilateral exercises.

The ministry stressed these interactions have strengthened mutual trust and interoperability between the two navies, as well as the professional rapport and ties between their personnel.

As part of his program, Martin visited Singapore Navy's Littoral Mission Vessel at Tuas Naval Base Tuesday and will be visiting the Changi Naval Base on Thursday.

Source: Xinhua