SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is planning a series of , introductory visits to neighbouring countries, including Singapore’s closest neighbour, Malaysia, he said on Tuesday ( May 28 ).
Mr Wong was sworn in as Singapore’s third Prime Minister two weeks ago.
In a Facebook post, he said his Malaysian rival, Mr Anwar Ibrahim, had invited him during a telephone call a month ago” to create an introductory visit to Malaysia quickly”, before the quarterly Leaders ‘ Retreat. When then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Mr. Anwar met last year’s edition in Singapore in October, that same year’s edition was held.
” I am happy to accept his invitation, and will schedule an early visit to ( Kuala Lumpur ), as part of a series of introductory visits to ASEAN capitals”, said Mr Wong.
” Malaysia is our closest neighbour. We have a shared history, as well as common interests”.
On Tuesday, Mr Wong met Malaysian Foreign Affairs Minister Utama Haji Mohamad Hasan during the latter’s official visit to Singapore.
We’ve already met on a number of occasions. However, this is his first time seeing him in my new role as prime minister and his first time meeting him in Singapore,” said Mr. Wong.
Both reaffirmed their” shared commitment to grow the win- win partnership” between Singapore and Malaysia.
In 2025, Malaysia will hold the presidency of ASEAN, and we look forward to collaborating closely to advance the regional cooperation agenda, according to Mr. Wong.