Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong highlights crucial areas of cooperation and discusses outstanding bilateral issues with Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim
PRIME Minister Lee Hsien Loong welcomed Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his delegation to the 10th Singapore-Malaysia Leaders’ Retreat in Singapore on October 30, 2023. The event marked an important milestone in the bilateral relations between the two nations, being the first Leaders’ Retreat since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the retreat, both leaders engaged in substantive discussions, emphasizing the robust economic ties between Singapore and Malaysia. The nations stand as each other’s second-largest trading partners, with Singapore emerging as the leading foreign investor in Malaysia for the first half of the year. Acknowledging the significance of continued cooperation, Prime Minister Lee emphasized the need to strengthen economic links and foster people-to-people connections in a post-pandemic world.
Key Areas
Key areas of focus included agreements on the Digital Economy and the Green Economy, signed during Prime Minister Anwar’s introductory visit in January. Both leaders expressed their commitment to furthering these initiatives, aligning with the broader ASEAN framework. The ongoing collaboration seeks to bolster regional cooperation, particularly in the realms of digital and green economies.
Among the bilateral projects discussed was the development of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), aimed at facilitating the flow of goods and people across borders. Additionally, both nations are committed to advancing renewable energy efforts, aligning with the goal of a sustainable future. Cross-border electricity trading is set to be a mutually beneficial venture for Singapore and Malaysia, potentially drawing from both Peninsula Malaysia and East Malaysia.
The leaders also highlighted progress on enhancing connectivity, with the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link between Johor Bahru and Singapore nearing completion by the end of 2026. This project represents a significant milestone in enhancing convenience for citizens of both countries.
Addressing outstanding bilateral issues, including maritime delimitation, reclamation at Pedra Branca, water, and airspace, Prime Minister Lee underscored the importance of approaching these matters constructively and within the broader context of the overall relationship. He expressed confidence in finding durable and mutually beneficial solutions to these issues.
In closing, Prime Minister Lee extended his gratitude to Prime Minister Anwar for the visit and looked forward to future meetings, including the 11th Leaders’ Retreat in Malaysia next year.
