PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and Singapore have resumed discussions on long-standing bilateral issues, including maritime boundaries, airspace and water supply.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim acknowledged the complexity of these issues and emphasised the importance of a holistic and comprehensive approach to addressing them.
He said technical teams from both countries would discuss the relevant parameters.
"These are complex issues, and (based on) our position (on the issues), as (Singapore) prime minister (Lawrence Wong) said, all demands, both from Singapore and Malaysia, should be fully considered, and the final settlement should be a win-win solution.
"We can expand these discussions further because they have been ongoing for the last few decades. I don't think we should wait for the new decades to come, not necessarily in next year's retreat," he said during a joint press conference with Wong.
Anwar added that the long-standing issues should not disrupt the stance of both countries on key areas such as economy, energy, digital transformation, investment and trade.
"We agree that we should hold brief meetings to review these matters, enabling our technical teams and experts to address them promptly," he said.
Meanwhile, Wong acknowledged that progress has been made but emphasised that the issues remain complex and are not yet fully resolved.
"While we would like the resolution to be swift, it's also crucial that we allow enough time for officials to meet, communicate and understand each other's positions.
"This will enable us to reach an agreement and outcome that is durable and beneficial for both sides."
Wong said he and Anwar were fully committed to ensuring that these discussions were conducted in good faith, constructively and holistically.
"Our goal is to ensure that these outstanding issues do not detract from the overall strength of our relationship."
Wong added that he did not want these issues to overshadow the positive projects both countries could undertake together.
"However, we are fully committed to discussing these issues constructively and holistically. I am confident that, in time, we will reach durable and mutually beneficial outcomes," he said.