S'pore looks at K'tan, T'ganu to 'renew ties with old friends, make new ones'

SHAH ALAM - Singapore's Second Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, Dr Maliki Osman recent visit to Kelantan and Terengganu was to "renew ties with old friends and make new ones," to better understand Kelantan and Terengganu’s potential and explore ways to build closer ties.

During his working visit, Maliki said had meetings with various state leaders and personalities, discussing possible areas of collaboration between Singapore and the two states.

They agreed that there are many ways they could work together, including in the agri-technology sector and others.

"I had good meetings with various state leaders and others across the spectrum of politics, economy and so on. We agreed that there are many ways we could work together, such as in the agri-technology sector and others," he told Sinar.

Maliki said Kelantan and Terengganu has potential for development and welcomed the state government leaders and officials to visit Singapore, where they can exchange experiences and learn from one another.

He also engaged with students and staff at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu to understand their perspectives and expressed his happiness in hearing that they are keen to strengthen education cooperation with Singapore.

"I feel it is important to promote collaboration between our youths so they may understand each other’s perspectives and experiences," he said.

Apart from economic cooperation, Maliki also highlighted the potential to work closely on tourism with Redang and Perhentian Island among its more popular destinations for Singaporeans due to its pristine beaches and beautiful resorts.

"Nasi Kerabu is also shiok! I feel there will be many more opportunities for tourism and economic cooperation, with the support of both governments; Singapore and the state government," added Maliki.

Maliki believes there will be many more opportunities for tourism and economic cooperation with the support of both governments.

As Singapore looks to renew ties with old friends and make new friends, he said the visit is a step towards building closer ties and promoting collaboration between Singapore and the two states.

"As we strengthen collaboration and understanding between Singapore and Kelantan and Terengganu, InsyaAllah, I feel the two states will gain a better and deeper understanding of each other and the opportunities available for cooperation," he added.