Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrisnan (R) and his Malaysian counterpart Saifuddin Abdullah. (Source: thestar.com.my) Hanoi (VNA) – Singapore and Malaysiaagreed to conduct measures to ease air and maritime tensions, according to ajoint statement issued after a meeting between their foreign ministers onJanuary 8.
Both sides reiterated their commitment topreserving the vital relationship between the two countries and to improvingbilateral ties on the basis of equality and mutual respect.
They also agreed on the importance of keepingthe situation on the ground calm so as to allow discussions to take place in aconducive atmosphere.
The measures include the simultaneous suspensionof a restricted area in Malaysia near the border with Singapore and instrumentlanding procedures at Singapore’s Seletar airport.
On the maritime front, the two sides agreed tothe establishment of a working group to discuss issues around port limits. Lastmonth, Singapore protested against Malaysia’s plan to extend the limits of aport saying it would encroach upon the former’s territorial waters.–VNA
VNA
