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 fourth Prime Minister two weeks ago.
In a Facebook post, he said his Malaysian counterpart, Mr Anwar Ibrahim, had invited him during a phone call a fortnight ago “to make an introductory visit to Malaysia soon”, before the annual Leaders’ Retreat. Last year’s edition was held in October when then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong met Mr Anwar in Singapore.
“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 have met on several occasions in the past. But this is his first visit to Singapore as Foreign Minister, and my first time receiving him in my new capacity as PM,” said Mr Wong.
Both reaffirmed their “shared commitment to grow the win-win partnership” between Singapore and Malaysia.
“Malaysia will also be the Chair of ASEAN in 2025, and we look forward to working closely together to advance the agenda for regional cooperation,” said Mr Wong.
