SINGAPORE: Malaysia and Singapore have signed a memorandum of understanding with regard to the joint hydrographic survey in and around Pulau Batu Puteh or known here as Pedra Branca, and Middle Rocks.
The memorandum was reached after top officials of the two neighbouring countries met during the 5th Meeting of the Malaysia-Singapore Joint Technical Committee (MSJTC) on the implementation of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) Judgement on Pedra Branca, Middle Rocks and South Ledge, here early this week.
According to a joint statement by Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman and his Singapore counterpart George Yeo released by their respective foreign ministries yesterday, both countries reiterated their commitment to honour and abide by the ICJ’s judgment and fully implement its decision.
The Malaysian delegation was led by Foreign Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohd Radzi Abdul Rahman and the Singapore delegation by its Foreign Affairs Ministry permanent secretary Bilahari Kausikan.
The meeting also reviewed the work of the Sub-Committee on Joint Survey Works and agreed that the Sub-Committee should work towards commencing the joint hydrographic survey as soon as practicable.
The statement said both sides were pleased with the progress made by the Joint Technical Committee and agreed that the next meeting be held in Malaysia after the joint hydrographic survey to endorse the findings of the survey. — Bernama