Israeli defense minister Ehud Barak paid an official visit to Singapore, early March, for a discretely-planned visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.

He was accompanied by both his wife and Israeli Defence Ministry Director, Pinchas Bochrim. Several other Israeli officials were also in Singapore to make appearances at the recent Singapore air show.

During a visit to Israel last year, Singapore’s senior minister of state and foreign affairs, Zainul Abidin Rasheed stated his country’s strong support for the two states solution. He also reiterated the importance of the diplomatic relationship between Israel and Singapore.

There is a long history of cooperation among the Singaporean and Israeli militaries and this trip re-affirmed the friendly relations.

The relationship is not limted to the defense industry. A recent survey, that was conducted in Israel, shows that the number of Singaporean tourists traveling to Israel has doubled in the past year alone.