The two countries signed a legally binding bilateral agreement on Tuesday (December 13), which paves the best way for the implementation of the Singapore-Kuala Lumpur High-Speed Rail (HSR) project.
The HSR lines in Singapore and Malaysia are to be connected by a bridge over the Strait of Johor with a clearance of 25 m above the water level – based on the agreement.
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak witnessed the agreement signing ceremony on the Prime Minister’s Office in Putrajaya. The agreement was signed by Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Minister of Transport Khaw Boon Wan and Minister within the Prime Minister’s Department Abdul Rahman Dahlan.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said that Singapore and Malaysia are showing strong political will and focus to be sure that the HSR project is executed properly and is successful.
Lee added that the HSR line will change for the higher the best way the 2 countries interact, socialize and do business.
The HSR is a flagship project and the signing of the bilateral agreement marks a milestone in Singapore’s relations with Malaysia, he said.
“This gives both sides a greater stake in maintaining a strong and positive relationship,” Lee added.
The project was scheduled for completion in 2026, and Najib said either side had met the deadline. “It’s about 10 years, but as you recognize (given) the dimensions of this project and its complexity, 10 years is a comparatively short time period, which suggests we’ve to work very closely together,” he said.
“We look forward to its implementation on schedule and believe we will be able to deliver it on the schedule to which we have committed to both parties.”
Source : Asia News Channel
