Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who is visiting Singapore on an Official Visit from 12 to 13 November 2018, was hosted to a Welcome Ceremony by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana this morning.
Following the Welcome Ceremony, Prime Minister Mahathir called on President Halimah Yacob. President and Prime Minister Mahathir affirmed the deep historical and people-to-people ties which form the foundation of Singapore-Malaysia bilateral relations, and welcomed continued mutually-beneficial cooperation between both countries.
Prime Minister Mahathir then had a meeting with Prime Minister Lee. Prime Minister Lee and Mrs Lee Hsien Loong also hosted an official lunch for Prime Minister Mahathir and his spouse, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali. Prime Minister Lee and Prime Minister Mahathir had a wide-ranging discussion on bilateral and regional issues of mutual concern. Prime Minister Lee emphasised Singapore’s intention to continue constructive, forward-looking relations with Malaysia. Prime Minister Lee reiterated Singapore’s commitment to building on our strong existing cooperation and finding new areas where both sides can collaborate for the benefit of the people of Singapore and Malaysia. Prime Minister Lee expressed appreciation to Prime Minister Mahathir for Malaysia’s support for Singapore’s ASEAN Chairmanship and both Leaders agreed to work together to continue strengthening ASEAN.
Prime Minister Mahathir and Tun Dr Siti Hasmah also attended an orchid-naming ceremony at the Istana where an orchid, Dendrobium Mahathir Siti Hasmah, was jointly named after them.
Tomorrow, Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong will host lunch for Prime Minister Mahathir. Prime Minister Mahathir’s alma mater, the National University of Singapore, will confer on him an Honorary Doctorate of Laws. Prime Minister Mahathir will attend the 33rdASEAN Summit and Related Meetings from 13 to 15 November 2018.
. . . . .
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
12 NOVEMBER 2018