[Above: President Nathan congratulating Gen Georgelin after conferring on him the Distinguished Service Order (Military)]

SINGAPORE'S highest military award was given to General Jean-Louis Georgelin, Chief of the Defence Staff of the French Armed Forces (FAF).

The medal, the Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang, or Distinguished Service Order (Military), was awarded to Gen Georgelin by President Nathan at the Istana on Thursday afternoon.

Under the General's leadership, military exchanges and defence collaborations between the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the FAF have grown in scope and depth.

Gen Georgelin's support for the Air Force's Advanced Jet Training in Cazaux has also enabled the RSAF pilots to hone their flying skills.

He has provided training opportunities for Singapore's Navy and was instrumental in strengthening defence ties between the two countries.

Gen Georgelin calling on Mr Teo at the Istana before the investiture.

During his two-day visit from November 25 to 26, he met the Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General (LG) Desmond Kuek, as well as the Minister for Defence, Mr Teo Chee Hean, at the Istana.

Other guests who attended the investiture included Mr Teo, Minister for Education and Second Minister for Defence Mr Ng Eng Hen, LG Kuek, as well as other government officials and military officers from Singapore and France.