Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced the signing of a 25-year agreement worth 2.25 billion AUD (1.66 billion USD) with Singapore to expand military bases in Queensland.

The move aims to increase the number of Singaporean troops training in Queensland from 6,000 to 14,000.

Australian Trade Minister Steve Ciobo said that the agreement will boost the bilateral defence exchanges.

It also helps also facilitate labour exchange between the two nations thanks to favourable visa procedures and education qualification cross-recognition, the minister said.

The doubling of Singaporean troops is expected to boost the local economy. (Source: acb.net.au)

(Source: VNA)