Singapore is willing to work closely with Malaysia to support the latter’s role as Asean Chair in 2025.
The Foreign Ministry of Singapore said Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan conveyed this message to her Malaysian counterpart Mohamad Hasan, who was in the republic since Monday on a two-day official visit.
“They also discussed ways to strengthen Asean centrality and ensure Southeast Asia remains a bright spot globally,” Singapore’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
During the talks, the two ministers also highlighted the importance of continuing close cooperation to generate mutual benefits for the people of the two nations.
This included enhancing economic cooperation and connectivity through initiatives like the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link and the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone while addressing bilateral issues constructively.
This included boosting economic cooperation and connectivity via initiatives such as the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link and the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, while constructively addressing the bilateral issues.
“They agreed that both sides should continue to make progress on these issues ahead of the 11th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders’ Retreat in Malaysia later this year,” the ministry said.
Mohamad also called on Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Chief Minister Lee Hsien Loong yesterday.
The three Singapore leaders reaffirmed the strong partnership and historic people-to-people ties between the two countries.
The two sides also reiterated their firm determination to continue high-level exchanges and cooperation both bilaterally and within Asean in a more uncertain geopolitical environment.
Wong, who is also Minister of Finance, expressed gratitude for the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister and Finance Minister Anwar Ibrahim to pay an introductory visit to Malaysia.
This is Mohamad’s first official visit to the Republic as Foreign Minister.
