Khaw Boon Wan & M'sian Minister Azmin Ali want bilateral relations ‘back on track’

Azmin is here in S'pore following the postponement of an annual meeting between both countries.

Kayla Wong | January 14, 2019, 04:06 PM

Singapore's Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan and Malaysia's Economic Affairs Minister Azmin Ali both want a good outcome.

Khaw said after a meeting with Azmin on Monday morning (Jan. 14) that both ministers "share a common desire to bring bilateral relations back on track", such as the RTS Link between Woodlands and Johor Bahru.

In addition, he said that both of them are aware of the "unnecessary disputes at Tuas and Seletar".

Malaysia minister posted about meeting too

Azmin posted about the meeting too, saying that the "fruitful outcome of HSR negotiations a few months ago" has laid the foundation for a positive working relationship.

The two had met last year for discussions regarding the Singapore-Kuala Lumpur High Speed Rail (HSR) project.

Both countries then came to a decision to suspend the project, with Malaysia bearing the costs in suspending its construction.

Had a "productive" meeting with Balakrishnan too

Singapore's Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan met Azmin the day before on Sunday (Jan. 13) too.

Balakrishnan said in a Facebook post that they had an "open and candid discussion of the issues" both countries face at the moment.

Azmin referred to the meeting as a "productive" one, writing on Facebook that Singapore and Malaysia are "each other's closest neighbour connected by deep historical ties and family bonds".

Vivian also said in his ministerial statement in Parliament on Monday (Jan. 14) that while Singapore "hopes to work with Malaysia for better relations" despite the ongoing disputes, "both sides must act in good faith, in compliance with international law and norms, and honour existing agreements".

Azmin is here in Singapore following the postponement of the annual Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC) meeting with Malaysia that was scheduled to take place on Monday (Jan. 14).

The decision was made by Singapore following Johor Chief Minister Osman Sapian's visit to buoy-laying vessel MV Pedoman last Wednesday (Jan. 9).

Nevertheless, Azmin met with his co-chair for the JCM meeting, National Development Minister Lawrence Wong, on Monday (Jan. 14).

Both ministers spoke of the meeting positively.

https://www.facebook.com/MohamedAzminAli/photos/a.728059137258435/2143218755742459/?type=3&theater

Top image via Khaw Boon Wan's Facebook page