Malaysia, S’pore move to solve issues

Both sides agree to suspend projects with more discussions planned

SINGAPORE: Malaysia and Singapore have agreed for both sides to immediately and simultaneously suspend Malaysia’s permanent restricted area over Pasir Gudang and Singapore’s implementation of the Instrument Landing System (ILS) procedure for Seletar Airport.

Both suspensions are for a period of one month in the first instance, according to a joint statement issued after a bilateral meeting between Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah and his Singapore counterpart Dr Vivian Balakrishnan here yesterday.

Both countries agreed that in the meantime, the respective transport ministers should meet soon for discussions on the restricted area and the ILS procedure to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation.

On maritime issues surrounding the Johor Baru and Singapore port limits, the two ministers agreed to set up a working group headed by the permanent secretary of the Singapore Foreign Ministry and the Wisma Putra secretary-general.

The working group would study and discuss the legal and operation- al matters in order to de-escalate the situation on the ground and provide a basis for further discussions and negotiations, the statement added.

The working group would report to the foreign ministers within two months, it said.

The implementation of the ILS at Seletar Airport in Singapore had aircraft landing at the airport using Malaysian airspace over Pasir Gudang, which Malaysia objected to.

Singapore and Malaysia had also blamed each other for what either side insisted was the extension of port limits that were seen as a violation of sovereignty and international law.

“We had a very good meeting this morning. Our officers too had a meeting ... it was very cordial and friendly,” Saifuddin told a joint press conference after the meeting.

A four-eyed meeting between the two foreign ministers was held for about an hour, followed by a delegation meeting.

“We have a long history of good relations and there is only one way to go forward ... that is to become stronger in our ties and improve our relations,” said Saifuddin, adding that both sides were pleased with the discussions.

“The measures we agreed upon are positive and there are constructive steps towards calming the situation on the ground.

“We believe these will provide a constructive environment for both countries to find a mutually agreeable solution to our bilateral issues,” Saifuddin added.

Balakrishnan said Malaysia and Singapore would always be close neighbours.