PM Anwar Holds Bilateral Meetings With Singapore, Laos Counterparts

From Linda Khoo Hui Li

CEBU, May 7 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Singapore and Laos on the sidelines of the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings today.

Anwar, who arrived in Cebu earlier in the day, met with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to strengthen strategic cooperation based on mutual interests, regional stability and the prosperity of both nations.

In a statement, the Prime Minister’s Office said key discussions focused on expediting the implementation of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) and ensuring that the RTS Link project becomes operational by the end of this year.

The two leaders also discussed expanding cooperation in renewable energy and the ASEAN Power Grid, as well as deepening collaboration in Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS).

“Malaysia also stressed the importance of continuing negotiations on maritime boundaries constructively and based on international law, in addition to ensuring that issues of water supply, airspace and the management of the Kuala Lumpur Flight Information Region (KL FIR) are addressed in a spirit of mutual respect and understanding,” the statement said.

On regional and international developments, the Prime Minister’s Office said Anwar emphasised the importance of a lasting ceasefire in West Asia, freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and ASEAN’s continued principled role in safeguarding regional stability, security and global supply chain continuity.

Earlier, Anwar also met with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, expressing Malaysia’s commitment to expanding cooperation in trade, investment, renewable energy, higher education, defence, telecommunications and regional connectivity.

“Malaysia and Laos share a strong determination to continue strengthening friendly relations and strategic cooperation for the well-being of the people of both countries and the prosperity of the ASEAN region as a whole,” the statement said.

Malaysia also voiced support for efforts to enhance ASEAN’s economic and logistics integration, including through the ASEAN Express rail network connecting Malaysia, Thailand, Laos and China, as well as strengthening regional energy cooperation through the Laos-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project (LTMS-PIP).

“In the spirit of MADANI Malaysia and ASEAN togetherness, we believe that sustainable development, mutual respect and shared prosperity are important foundations for ensuring the stability and future of the region,” the statement added.

ASEAN leaders and representatives began arriving in Cebu on Thursday for the 48th ASEAN Summit, with energy resilience and food security expected to dominate discussions amid ongoing conflicts in West Asia.

-- BERNAMA