SINGAPORE: Bilateral relations between Malaysia and Singapore are at a very good level, Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said today.
He said both governments saw the issue of the High Speed Rail (HSR) project and the 1962 water agreement as issues that need to be tackled but should not be obstacles to maintaining good relations.
Saifuddin noted that Malaysia and Singapore wanted to further boost bilateral relations.
Saifuddin is here on his first official visit to the republic, on the invitation of his Singapore counterpart Dr Vivian Balakrishnan.
It is also part of a series of introductory visits after being sworn in as the new Foreign Minister on July 2, 2018.
Saifuddin was accompanied by officials from the ministry.
He had, earlier in the afternoon, called on Singapore President Halimah Yacob and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong after being hosted to lunch by Dr Vivian.
According to Saifuddin, the HSR and water issues were raised during his meeting with Dr Vivian and Lee.
“I tried my level best to explain the situation. We are looking at the big picture. As far as our bilateral relations (are concerned)... our ties are strong and we want to work hard to bring it to greater heights,” said Saifuddin, who is scheduled to call on Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean on Tuesday.
He said, on the HSR, he had informed them that on July 23, Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali had written to his Singapore counterpart saying that he will be traveling to Singapore to discuss the matter.
“It will take place very soon,” said Saifuddin, adding that he had “stated the fact that we want to sit down and discuss”.
On the 1962 water agreement, Saifuddin said he had underlined the fact that there can be a review as this was stated in the agreement.
“There this a clause about review that surely we can look at,” he said, adding that he understood that Singapore had their own perspective.
“They brought up the issue of water treatment. I think proposals and counter proposals can be brought to the table when we have a proper discussion.”
Saifuddin said there were discussions in the past but there had been no progress then.
“Surely we can continue the discussion. The agreement says the content of the agreement can be reviewed after 25 years. It doesn’t mean at 25 years... so we can continue talking,” he added. — BERNAMA