Frequent CONFERENCES ON BILATERAL ISSUES
As leaders from both sides thrashed out a deal, which Mr. Anwar had described previously on Tuesday as a distinct and uncommon action between two nations working as a team, the JS-SEZ deal has been in development for a year.
Moving forward, Mr. Anwar stated that he and Mr. Wong have agreed to meet quarterly to evaluate progress being made in resolving diplomatic disputes that have remained unresolved. These include places like waters supply, airport management and maritime boundaries.
Mr Wong said in the wrap-up interview on Tuesday that the two sides have made” some development” on these complex issues but have “understandably” never travel to a decision, citing distinctions of opinions.
” So, both Prime Minister Anwar and I are fully committed to continuing the engagement and discussions, and hopefully with the nudging from the prime ministers, with the constant engagements we have, and continued dialogue, we can see some progress by the next leaders ‘ retreat across all three bilateral issues,” he said.
Mr. Wong noted that the leaders are also putting together schedule for the weekly meetings, with plenty of time left until the officials ‘ retreat in Singapore after this year.
” We are discussing a few websites where we might do thus, including perhaps at Johor-Singapore SEZ”, he said.
There will also be some of these that we will consider appropriate goals to gather around and to meet, and when we do therefore, we can use these occasions to review the conversations on the pending international issues and ensure that we keep making progress on that.
Mr. Wong claimed to have met Mr. Anwar on several occasions, including at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations ( ASEAN ) and multilateral forums, and that they have both developed a” good friendship” based on mutual respect and understanding.
He said,” That sets the tone for the entire relationship- the relationship between the ministers and officials- and also for us to work up on bilateral problems.”
” I may say that we are on a really strong basis, starting with the management level. And many of the officials have been interacting with one another on many occasions, including next day and now at the leaders ‘ retreat.
Mr. Wong added that he had also suggested that both sides re-establish the history of holding” legal services game.”
” But, it’s not always about work, it’s not always about leaders coming together to discuss business or deal and to participate on hard issues”, he said.
” But freely as well, there is an option for us to get up, unwind, and get to know one another, and maybe more of these markets can continue to take place across the board.”