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MALAYSIA and Singapore have pledged to press ahead with resolving longstanding bilateral issues in a constructive spirit, as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim hosted his Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong for talks during a special visit to Kuala Lumpur.
The three-hour meeting, held at the historic Seri Negara estate, focused on deepening bilateral cooperation and advancing discussions on outstanding matters, notably water, airspace and maritime boundaries.
The encounter took place against the backdrop of Ramadan, with Wong joining Anwar for the braking of fast (buka puasa) at the colonial-era residence, also known as Carcosa Seri Negara, which has witnessed pivotal moments in Malaysia’s history, including the signing of the Federation of Malaya Agreement in 1948 and the Independence Agreement in 1957.
In a Facebook post, Anwar said strengthening Malaysia–Singapore friendship was among the central themes of their discussions.
“I greatly appreciate Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s visit, which manifests the friendship between our two countries, while further strengthening our personal ties.
“May this meeting, together with the blessings of Ramadan, continue to nurture lasting understanding and prosperity for the peoples of Malaysia and Singapore,” he said.
Describing the setting as symbolic, Anwar added: “PM Lawrence and I continued this historical narrative in a meeting that lasted nearly three hours.
“We also had the opportunity to tour and receive briefings on the history and conservation efforts of Seri Negara through the Warisan Kuala Lumpur initiative,” he said, noting that he hosted a dinner in honour of Wong’s visit.
Wong, who arrived at 4.05pm and departed later the same evening after concluding his visit, likewise underscored the value of candid dialogue.
“Thank you PM Anwar Ibrahim for the invitation to join you for ‘buka puasa’ in Kuala Lumpur at the historic Seri Negara.
“I greatly appreciate the warm hospitality and the opportunity for a candid exchange on a wide range of issues.
“Wishing you and all Malaysians a blessed Ramadan. I look forward to our next meeting,” he said on his official Facebook account.
The leaders last met in December 2025 in Singapore for the annual leaders’ retreat, the highest-level bilateral platform between the two countries.
At that meeting, both sides agreed to intensify cooperation in areas including healthcare and efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking, while continuing negotiations on unresolved matters.
At a joint press conference following the exchange of agreements in December, the two prime ministers set out their respective positions on water, airspace and maritime boundaries, and emphasised their intention to move forward with mutual respect and goodwill.
Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry said the latest discussions in Kuala Lumpur were expected to build on the outcomes of that retreat and further strengthen bilateral collaboration and engagement on issues of shared interest.
Singapore remains Malaysia’s second-largest trading partner, with total trade amounting to RM402.35 billion (US$93.97 billion) in 2025, a 1.5 per cent increase from the previous year, underscoring the economic significance of ties that both leaders have signalled they are determined to deepen. - February 21, 2026
