March 14, 2023, 11:20 AM
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Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan had an audience with the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, in a visit to Johor Bahru on Mar. 13.
He was hosted to a brunch in Istana Bukit Serene and also called on the Crown Prince of Johor, Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim.
Vivian also met with the Chief Minister of Johor, Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
More cross-border exchanges
During the visit, Vivian and the Johor leaders reaffirmed the longstanding and close ties between Singapore and Johor.
Both sides welcomed the “full resumption of cross-border visits and exchanges between Singapore and Johor since the reopening of borders.”
The visit by Vivian comes after a working visit by Onn Hafiz to Singapore from Feb. 12 to Feb. 14.
The Johor chief minister had discussions with local agencies on electric vehicle infrastructure, flood mitigation, and agri-food technology.
In late January 2023, Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also made his first official visit to Singapore since his election.Ongoing projects
Vivian and the Johor leaders were pleased at the progress of the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link project and the commencement of ferry services between both sides.
These projects are expected to enhance cross-border connectivity and alleviate congestion on the Causeway.
They also agreed to explore new areas of cooperation between Singapore and Johor, and “to continue to cooperate closely for the mutual benefit" of both sides.
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Top images courtesy of MFA
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