Singapore – Indonesian Military chief, Gen. Endriartono Sutarto, received Singapore's highest military award here on Tuesday for his efforts to forge closer defense ties between the nations.

Singapore President S.R. Nathan conferred the Distinguished Service Order (Military) on Endriartono in a ceremony at the presidential Istana complex, the defense ministry said in a statement.

Endriartono received the award "in recognition of his role in forging closer ties between the Singapore Armed Forces and the Indonesian National Defense 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.