Singapore remains key trade and investment partner, says King
KUALA LUMPUR: Singapore is not merely one of Malaysia’s closest neighbours, but also a highly valued partner and among the country’s key drivers of trade and investment, says His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.
In a post on the Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar Facebook page, His Majesty said the continued growth in bilateral trade despite global economic uncertainties reflected the strength of ties between Malaysia and Singapore.
“The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) also reflects our cooperation in advancing regional economic growth and creating new opportunities within Asean,” he said during the state welcoming ceremony for Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s first state visit to Malaysia since assuming office in September 2023.
His Majesty also expressed confidence that the Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link (RTS Link), scheduled to commence operations at the end of 2026, would further strengthen connectivity between the two countries, Bernama reported.
“Together with JS-SEZ, I am confident the RTS Link will play an important role in attracting investment and strengthening the position of Malaysia and Singapore as key gateways to the Asean market,” he said.
Earlier, Tharman and his wife, Jane Ittogi Shanmugaratnam, arrived at Istana Negara at 10am and were received by Sultan Ibrahim and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia.
Also present were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, as well as Cabinet ministers.
Tharman is on a three-day state visit to Malaysia starting yesterday until tomorrow at the King’s invitation. According to the Foreign Ministry, the visit reciprocates Sultan Ibrahim’s state visit to Singapore on May 6 and 7, 2024.
Meanwhile, in a post on his Facebook page, Anwar said he joined His Majesty, Tharman and the Singapore delegation, before the King hosted the delegation in a banquet.
“May the special Malaysia-Singapore relation be further strengthened for the prosperity of the rakyat and country,” he wrote.
Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim, who was the minister in attendance, welcomed the visit as it would help strengthen the close ties between Malaysia and Singapore.
In a statement, Sim also expressed hope that the visit would create more opportunities for cooperation that would benefit the people of both countries, including those involved in micro, small and medium enterprises.
