SINGAPORE: Malaysia and Singapore are pleased with the progress made in the discussions on the implementation of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) judgment on Pedra Branca, or Pulau Batu Puteh as known to Malaysians, Middle Rocks and South Ledge, the rocky outcrops in the seas of both countries.Top government officials from the two neighbouring nations met here on Tuesday to iron out several matters pertaining to the joint hydrographic survey, maritime and airspace management and fisheries around the outcrops, according to a joint statement by their foreign ministries.
At the meeting, the Malaysian delegation was led by Foreign Ministry secretary-general Tan Sri Rastam Mohd Isa and the Singapore side by Foreign Affairs permanent secretary Peter Ho.
Both sides reiterated their commitment to honour and abide by the ICJ’s judgment and fully implement its decision by continuing the discussions pursuant to the Second Malaysia-Singapore Joint Technical Committee (MSJTC) Meeting held in Putrajaya on Aug 20 last year.
On May 23 last year, following a long dispute between the two countries over the rocky outcrops, the ICJ in The Hague ruled that Pulau Batu Puteh belonged to Singapore and Middle Rocks belonged to Malaysia, while no ruling was made on South Ledge.
The statement said the meeting reviewed the work of the Sub-Committee on Joint Survey Works and agreed that the Sub- Committee should continue to hold discussions in the following weeks to finalise technical preparations relating to the Joint Hydrographic Survey.’
The meeting also reviewed the work of the Sub-Committees on Maritime and Airspace Management and Fisheries.
Both countries also agreed that the next meeting be held in one to two months in Malaysia. — Bernama