Diplomacy
PM Lee hosts special dinner for Johor Sultan, anticipates Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone discussions
On Tuesday night, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong warmly hosted Sultan Ibrahim, HM The Permaisuri of Johor, and HRH Crown Prince of Johor for a special dinner.
He highlighted ambitious projects to improve trade and connectivity, including the RTS Link, and look forward to commencing discussions on a Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone.
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SINGAPORE: Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong hosted a special dinner at the Istana for Their Majesties Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, HM The Permaisuri of Johor, Raja Zarith Sofiah, and Their Royal Highnesses HRH Crown Prince of Johor Tunku Ismail and Che’ Puan Khaleeda on Tuesday (10 Oct) night.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the growing relationship between Singapore and Johor, attributing it to the wise leadership of Sultan Ibrahim.
He pointed out the ambitious projects launched to improve trade and connectivity, particularly highlighting the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, and expressed eagerness for upcoming discussions regarding the establishment of a Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
“During our last visit to Johor, Tuanku served Ho Ching and me a very sedap nasi ulam that I had requested for. I reciprocated his gracious hospitality by serving him crab curry along with some of his other favourite local dishes.”
He underlined the significance of Johor as Singapore’s gateway to Malaysia, emphasizing the deep-rooted friendship and kinship that goes beyond mere neighbors, describing both sides as partners.
The dinner also saw the presence of Singapore’s Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam and his wife, Madam Seetha Shanmugam.
In a separate update on the official Facebook account of Sultan Johor, the event was highlighted as part of a series of cross-border events and visits, showcasing the enduring and warm special relationship and goodwill shared between these neighboring nations.
Tuanku Sultan Johor is recognized as a strong advocate for closer Johor-Singapore ties, underscoring the potential for win-win outcomes and tangible benefits for both nations through cooperation.
He believes that, aside from the already strong people-to-people linkages, there’s immense potential to further elevate relations for the mutual benefit of the people on both sides.
Malaysia and Singapore collaborate on the Johor-Singapore SEZ
In a pivotal development, Malaysia and Singapore had previously concurred in July to establish a special task force tasked with studying the creation of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone.
In an exclusive interview with Bernama last month, HM Sultan Johor emphasized that as the special economic zone (SEZ) between Johor and Singapore takes form, alongside the development of a special financial zone in Forest City, he envisions a promising future for Johor.
He envisions the state’s presence being solidified on the global stage.
When sharing his vision to position Johor prominently on the global map, the Johor ruler stressed the importance of attracting more investments, particularly from high-technology companies.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the establishment of the trade zone and financial hub, showcasing Singapore’s keen interest in collaborating with Johor.
Sultan Ibrahim also underscored Johor’s potential to become a significant solar energy producer, thanks to the state’s ample land resources.
Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi earlier expressed the view that with the SEZ becoming a reality, Johor could evolve into the next Shenzhen, a global hub for technology, research, manufacturing, business, economics, finance, tourism, and transportation, similar to Shenzhen in China.
Onn Hafiz also revealed that the finalization of the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the proposed Johor-Singapore SEZ is anticipated to take place during the Malaysia-Singapore Leaders’ Retreat, set to occur on October 30th in Singapore.
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HoErrChing’s dress~sense is that of a fishing villager, … who struck gold, landing a big catch !!!
In her world, she’s probably told, … she looks a million dollars and how exquisitely put together it was !!!
She’s truly an embarrassment, … on the public stage, never mind the world !!!
Displaying and exposing her feet, … for an official dinner and all !!!
We have already lost millions in Iskandar. Malaysia is removing English in Public schools . This will push away investors. The Johor Sultan who will be the next agong should counter AI and insist that the education system is not tempered with for AI’s political gain. AI wants the 40 Hadiths from Islam to be taught in Public schools to attract the Malay Muslim voter. This will strangle Malaysia’s economic recovery. As such we should not be putting in more investments but should get out of the Malaysian markets at State level. However manufacturing should be moved to Johor as… Read more »
Xi Ping’s wife is always well dressed and carries herself magnificently as the President’s wife. You are right so does the Korean President’s wife. We are very unlucky to have HC in so many ways at State level.
Mrs Lee looks like wearing the Chinese wedding gua. Is she marrying Loong again?!? Lol 😆
Let’s Go!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johor_Sultanate
GOODAH!
IS SINGAPURA RE-MERGING INTO THE JOHOR SULTANATE?