PRIME Minister Anwar Ibrahim will undertake his first official visit to Singapore tomorrow at the invitation of his Singapore counterpart Lee Hsien Loong.

Wisma Putra, in a statement, said Anwar – in his maiden visit to the republic after being sworn in as Malaysia’s 10th prime minister – will be meeting President Halimah Yacob and Lee. 

“The two prime ministers will witness the signing of a memorandum of understanding to promote cooperation on data, cybersecurity and the digital economy and frameworks on cooperation in digital economy; and green economy.  

“The prime minister will also hold an engagement session with the Malaysian diaspora in Singapore,” said the statement.

The statement said the visit reflects the importance of Malaysia-Singapore ties as close neighbours and partners in Asean.

“It will provide a  golden opportunity for leaders from both sides to discuss ways to elevate this relationship, reflecting the breadth and depth of shared interest, longstanding people-to-people links, and strong economic relations,” it added.

The statement said both sides will also be exchanging views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

During the visit, Anwar will be accompanied by his wife, Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, and the delegation will comprise Foreign Minister Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, International Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil, and officials from the relevant ministries and agencies. 

Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Openg and Johor Chief Minister Onn Hafiz Ghazi, will also be part of the official delegation.

Last year, Singapore was Malaysia’s second largest trading partner and the largest among Asean countries, with total trade amounting to RM367.53 billion, an increase of 29.4%, compared with the recorded value in 2021. – Bernama, January 29, 2023.