Malaysia minister calls on PM; bilateral ties reaffirmed

SINGAPORE - Malaysian Home Affairs Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi called on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana on Thursday, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).

During the meeting, they reaffirmed the excellent state of bilateral relations between Singapore and Malaysia and discussed the close partnership between security and law enforcement agencies on both sides, the MFA statement said.

Dr Zahid is on a three-day introductory visit starting from Wednesday at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Home Affairs Minister Teo Chee Hean, the MFA said.

On Thursday, Dr Zahid called on DPM Teo - who is also Coordinating Minister for National Security - at the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), a separate statement from the MHA said.

They agreed to meet annually to maintain close bilateral relations, and keep each other updated on developments in the areas of security and law enforcement.

"Minister Zahid is an old friend. We have known each other since we were both defence ministers," said Mr Teo after the call, according to the MHA statement.

" I thanked Minister Zahid for the invaluable assistance from the Malaysian law enforcement and security agencies over the years.

"This close cooperation is a key advantage in tackling our common cross-border crime and security threats," he added.

Dr Zahid said: "I sincerely cherish the close rapport and comfort level in terms of my working relations with DPM Teo.

"It contributes immensely towards exchanges of information between the two of us, in particular, resolving issues of mutual interests to Malaysia and the Republic of Singapore."

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