Singapore’s Foreign Minister emphasised strong ties and ongoing cooperation during an engagement with Malaysian media representatives.
Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, held a wide-ranging conversation with a group of Malaysian journalists during their recent working visit to Singapore. The dialogue provided an opportunity to discuss the state of Singapore–Malaysia relations and reflect on shared priorities that have continued to shape cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
Dr Balakrishnan noted that Singapore and Malaysia shared deep historical, cultural, and people-to-people ties, which had long formed the foundation of their close bilateral relationship. While acknowledging that differences naturally arose from time to time, he emphasised that both countries had consistently worked together in a constructive and forward-looking manner for the benefit of their citizens.
The Minister drew attention to several key initiatives currently strengthening bilateral cooperation. These included the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and major cross-border connectivity projects such as the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, which are expected to boost economic integration, facilitate smoother travel, and create new opportunities on both sides of the Causeway.
Dr Balakrishnan also highlighted the crucial role played by the media in fostering mutual understanding and building trust between communities in Singapore and Malaysia. He expressed appreciation for the contributions of Malaysian journalists, noting that responsible and balanced reporting helped deepen public awareness of the multifaceted relationship between the two countries.
The Minister wished the visiting journalists a productive stay in Singapore and reiterated the importance of continued engagement between media professionals, policymakers, and communities. He expressed confidence that such interactions would further strengthen goodwill and contribute to a resilient and forward-looking Singapore–Malaysia partnership.
Source: Singapore Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vivian Balakrishnan
