MFA Press Statement: Visit of Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs Masagos Zulkifli to Kuala Lumpur and Pahang, 16 – 19 October 2012

Senior Minister of State (SMS) for Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs Masagos Zulkifli has concluded his visit to Kuala Lumpur and Pahang from 16 to 19 October 2012.

SMS Masagos attended the Opening Ceremonies for the Southeast Asia Literature Council (MASTERA) Seminar and Executive Meetings on 17 and 19 October 2012. Singapore was welcomed as a full member of MASTERA. Singapore was invited to contribute actively to the regional literature scene by drawing on Singapore’s strong heritage in Malay literature and Malay language education structure. The meetings also illustrated how Singapore’s bilingual policy has managed to preserve our cultural ballast while enabling our communities to participate effectively in a globalised world.

SMS Masagos also met his Malaysian counterpart Deputy Home Minister Dato’ Lee Chee Leong. They discussed furthering bilateral cooperation in the areas of combating drug trafficking and counterterrorism. In addition, SMS Masagos met Deputy Minister for Higher Education Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah. They had a fruitful discussion on the importance of expanding educational exchanges, particularly at the tertiary level.

In Pahang, SMS Masagos had an audience on 18 October with His Royal Highness Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah, the Sultan of Pahang. They exchanged views on Singapore-Pahang ties and explored various opportunities for deeper economic engagement. SMS Masagos also met Menteri Besar Dato Sri’ Haji Adnan bin Haji Yaakob and Mufti Datuk Abdul Rahman Osman later on the same day. Both sides discussed ways to explore bilateral exchanges.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
19 OCTOBER 2012