SINGAPORE: Singapore and Malaysia should be proud of what the two countries have accomplished in the last 60 years, both bilaterally and in the region, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on Thursday (Dec 4) at a joint press conference with Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Hailing the milestone of both nations celebrating 60 years of diplomatic ties, Mr Wong said he always valued the engagements and the friendship with his counterpart Mr Anwar in their past meetings.
“We are able to have candid and constructive discussions, and we both focus on what we can achieve together as close neighbours, good friends and for the benefit of both our peoples,” said Mr Wong at the 12th Singapore-Malaysia Leaders’ Retreat, which took place at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore hotel.
Mr Wong then said he is “very happy that Malaysia has formally agreed to Singapore’s proposal to open consulates in Sabah and Sarawak”.
At the retreat, both countries exchanged two memorandums of understanding on health cooperation and combating the drug trade, and also signed an agreement on the Johor-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link (RTS).
Mr Wong then noted that “longstanding issues” remain between the two sides, including airspace, water, and maritime delimitation.
With growing air traffic in the region, Singapore and Malaysia need to work on arrangements on how to manage the current and future needs of both sides to ensure that the airports can operate safely and efficiently.
There is also a shared interest in increasing the yield and safeguarding the water quality of the Johor River, said Mr Wong.
