Malaysia looks to build competitive partnership with Singapore

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has underscored the need for good economic linkages and mutual respect in the Malaysia – Singapore relations, especially in the framework of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Malaysia looks to build competitive partnership with Singapore ảnh 1Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad (L) and his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong (Source: malaymail.com)

Hanoi (VNA) - Malaysian Prime Minister MahathirMohamad has underscored the need for good economic linkages and mutual respectin the Malaysia – Singapore relations, especially in the framework of theAssociation of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The leader is on a two-day visit to Singapore from November 12 as part of his journeyto Southeast Asian nations after he acceded to the office in May.

The visit offers a chance for both sides to discuss a series of bilateral andinternational issues of common concern, as well as measures to furtherstrengthen cooperation between the two countries for mutual benefits.

Speaking at a banquet hosted by Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Mahathirsaid there will be some differences and competition between the two nations, buthis country and Singapore have become interdependent as key trade partners andthey will continue their cooperation in the time to come.

The healthy competition always helps the two countries tomake jointly effort to promote their economic growth, he added.

He stressed that the two neighbours both have their own role to play in ASEAN,and through cooperation they can help the regional group operate effectively.

The Malaysia-Singaporeties became somewhat thorny after Mahathir returned to power in the May generalelection this year. Leaders of both governments sparred publicly through themedia over issues, old and new, ranging from the water price, construction andtransport projects.

However, the bilateral relationship is warmer than the first Mahathiradministration and when the late Lee Kuan Yew was Prime Minister of Singapore.

Malaysiaand Singapore have extensive cooperation in many fields, especially trade andinvestment. Singapore is Malaysia's second largest trade partner after China.Trade between the two countries reached 220.88 billion ringgit (53.18 billion USD)in 2017, equivalent to 12.9 percent of Malaysia's total global trade.

During his visit, Malaysian PM Mahathir paid a courtesy visit to Singaporean PresidentHalimah Yacob before the talks with Lee.

Mahathir also attended the ASEAN 2018 Summit hosted by Singapore. BeforeSingapore, Mahathir visited Brunei, Indonesia and Thailand.-VNA


VNA

See more

The DITP predicts the Chinese market for dried and preserved fruits will reach 335.3 billion CNY (46 billion USD) by 2028. (Photo: The Nation)

Thailand leads dried fruit exports to China

The DITP predicts the Chinese market for dried and preserved fruits will reach 335.3 billion CNY (46 billion USD) by 2028 and is urging Thai businesses to capitalise by developing innovative, high-quality products.

Singaporean Minister for National Development Desmond Lee (Photo: straitstimes.com)

Singapore makes efforts to upgrade social housing

Singaporean Minister of National Development Desmond Lee said on February 17 that 29,000 flats built in 1997 or earlier have been chosen for the Housing Board’s Home Improvement Programme (HIP) and will get structural improvements and upgrades to bathrooms and entrances, among other things.

Indonesia's Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries is encouraging the utilization of marine biopharmaceuticals. (Photo: Antara)

Indonesia promotes Marine Biopharma in healthcare

The ministry's Director General of Marine and Ocean Space Management Victor Gustaaf Manoppo stated that this initiative aims to enhance national pharmaceutical resilience while empowering coastal communities involved in the supply chain of natural medicinal ingredients.

Myanmar cracks down on online scam centres

Myanmar cracks down on online scam centres

An estimated 220,000 people were estimated to have been tricked into working for romance-investment schemes, crypto fraud, money laundering and illegal gambling in Myanmar and Cambodia in 2023.

People get vaccinated against influenza in Thailand. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Thailand sees surge in influenza cases

Thai Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin said there has been a big jump in infections in February, calling on people showing symptoms that could be flu to stay home, to prevent spreading the virus.

Thai PM Paetongtarn says AI technology needs to be adopted and regulated to help drive the Thai economy. (Photo: bangkokpost.com)

Thailand touts draft AI regulation

AI is expected to become a key tool in driving businesses and developing industries in Thailand, said Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

At the Korea-Malaysia Trade Ministers' Meeting in 2023 (Photo: Koreaherald.com)

Malaysia, RoK resume FTA talks

The latest round of talks will take place in Kuala Lumpur from February 17 to 20, with discussions covering 11 key sectors, including goods, services, investment, and economic cooperation.