SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Singapore has agreed to enhance discussions and cooperation on issues related to Pedra Branca, water, airspace as well as congestion at the Causeway.
Anwar, who was on an official one-day visit here, said he would also ask Singapore to use Malaysia as a heartland to produce food for the benefit of both countries.
Anwar said while Malaysia respected a 2008 International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling that Singapore had sovereignty over Pedra Branca, it disagreed with a former prime minister's decision not to appeal the decision.
Speaking at a press conference with the Malaysian media, Anwar said Singapore prime minister Lee Hsien Loong had agreed to look into the reasons given by the task force on the environmental damage and border issues before making a final decision, but this won't have any impact on the ICJ decision.
On food security, Anwar said Singapore could invest in food production in Malaysia and this could help reduce the latter's food import bills which amounted to RM65 billion to RM70 billion a year.
Meanwhile, Anwar - who called Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong a "dear friend" - said no issues, including food security, should be left unresolved.
He said both leaders had "very substantive discussions", adding that both countries must move forward, not just on trade, connectivity and investment, for the benefit of their people.
"These are not normal diplomatic cliches but more contentious standing issues.
"No issue should be left unsolved. We should try and do our utmost to enhance our relations and work together for the benefit of both countries," Anwar said in a toast speech at an official lunch hosted by Lee at The Istana to honour his visit today.
In his toast speech, Lee said they had a fruitful discussion, including on how to make progress on outstanding bilateral issues.
He did not name specifics.
Anwar and Lee had earlier witnessed the signing of three Memoranda of Understanding to promote cooperation in new and emerging areas, specifically on digital and green economies, and cyber security.
Anwar said both sides must try to work out not just areas covered by the three agreements, but also areas of emerging technologies and food security.
"This is an area in which I think Malaysia would solicit the support of Singapore, to use Malaysia as a heartland to produce for the benefit of Malaysia and Singapore."
He added that Malaysia and Singapore can work together in multiple domains for mutual benefit and learn from each other.
This includes housing, where he acknowledged some recent controversy but added that Malaysia did not consider it an issue.
Malaysian officials recently received flak for consulting Singapore's Housing Development Board on housing matters.
Anwar reiterated Putrajaya's commitment to good relations with Singapore.
"You can rest assured that not only do we want to continue relations, but we want both Singaporeans and Malaysians to understand and appreciate that these are two great countries and great neighbours that could do so much more for the benefit of our people."
Earlier in the morning, Anwar received an official welcome at the Istana, and had an orchid named after him and his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
He then called on President Halimah Yacob before his meeting with Lee.
At meeting with the Malaysian diaspora later, Anwar said both countries should not allow outstanding issues to drag and create unnecessary problems.
"We have greatly seen together, resolve these challenging issues together. Of course there will be differences and I told Cabinet members of Singapore that negotiations with them are sometimes tough and difficult."