SINGAPORE : Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean is on his first official visit to South Africa from May 15-18.

He will visit the Combat Training Centre in Lohatla, where a three-week live-firing exercise - codenamed Lightning Warrior - is taking place.

Mr Teo has met South African Defence Minister Mosiuoa Patrick Lekota, Minister in the Presidency Essop Pahad, Minister for Intelligence Services Ronnie Kasrils and Deputy President of the African National Congress Kgalema Motlanthe.

They reaffirmed the warm and friendly defence relations between Singapore and South Africa, and exchanged views on security-related issues.

The Singapore Armed Forces and the South African National Defence Force cooperate in a range of bilateral activities, including professional exchanges and cross attendance of courses.

Mr Teo also hosted a dinner for the Singapore community in South Africa on Friday evening.

The defence minister is accompanied by Mr Michael Palmer, Member of Parliament for Pasir Ris-Punggol and Deputy Chairman of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Defence and Foreign Affairs during this South African visit. - CNA /ls