President Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s State Visit to Malaysia reaffirmed the enduring partnership between Singapore and Malaysia
President Tharman Shanmugaratnam is undertaking a State Visit to Malaysia from 12 to 15 July 2026 at the invitation of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, reaffirming the longstanding partnership between the two neighbouring countries. The visit, which includes engagements in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation across diplomacy, trade, investment, and regional connectivity while reciprocating Sultan Ibrahim’s State Visit to Singapore in May 2024.
Source: Facebook/Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar
The visit commenced with a State Welcome Ceremony at Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur, where President Tharman and Mrs Jane Ittogi Shanmugaratnam were received by Their Majesties Sultan Ibrahim and Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia. The ceremony featured military honours, including a 21-gun salute and an inspection of the Guard of Honour by the President. Following the official welcome, Their Majesties hosted an audience with the Singapore delegation and later a State Banquet in honour of President Tharman. The State Visit marked the fourth incoming State Visit received by Sultan Ibrahim since ascending the throne as Malaysia’s 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
During the visit, President Tharman held discussions with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and met leaders from Malaysia’s economic and financial sectors at the Kuala Lumpur Business Club. He also participated in a breakfast roundtable with business leaders and attended a reception for Overseas Singaporeans residing in Malaysia. In Selangor, President Tharman had an audience with Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah and met Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari, reflecting the importance of cooperation at both the federal and state levels.
Speaking during the State Visit, Sultan Ibrahim described Singapore as “more than just a neighbouring country,” highlighting its role as one of Malaysia’s most valued partners and a key contributor to trade and investment.
the strength and integrity of the relationship between the two countries.
He also highlighted the significance of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) as a testament to the growing economic cooperation between Malaysia and Singapore in advancing regional growth and creating new opportunities across ASEAN.
Looking ahead, Sultan Ibrahim expressed confidence that the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, scheduled to begin operations by the end of 2026, would further strengthen cross-border connectivity.
“Together with the JS-SEZ, I am confident the RTS Link will play an important role in attracting investments and strengthening Malaysia’s and Singapore’s position as a key gateway to the ASEAN market,” His Majesty said.
President Tharman is accompanied by Mrs Jane Ittogi Shanmugaratnam; Minister for Sustainability and the Environment and Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations Grace Fu; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Social and Family Development Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim; Mayor of Central Singapore Denise Phua; Members of Parliament Nadia Samdin and Edward Chia; as well as officials from Singapore’s President’s Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment.
Source: Facebook/Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar
