Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz returned from a secret visit to Singapore Thursday after holding security-related talks in the world’s second importer of Israeli arms, a political analyst for the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper revealed on Friday.
Although the defense ministry refused to confirm or deny the news, senior security sources affirmed the close bilateral ties, especially in security.
According to Israel’s Kan 11 television, Gantz held meetings with senior security officials and pushed forward cooperation on research and development.
Israel has helped Singapore develop its army after its independence in 1965.
The former Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, defined the nature of relations when he visited Singapore in 2017.
“This is my first time in Singapore and I follow your footsteps,” he told his Singaporean counterpart.
“You arrived in Israel for the first in a historic visit,” he said, adding that he was impressed by Singapore’s success story that was translated on the ground, which proves the country’s “ability to realize talents and potentials.”
“I believe that Israel and Singapore are kindred spirits. We’re small nations that have become in many areas global powers, and I believe that our cooperation in every field makes us even more successful,” Netanyahu said.
He cited a joint R&D fund that has already financed 150 projects for Israeli and Singapore companies working together in various fields.
Source: Asharq al-Awsat
