Points of Agreement Between Singapore and Malaysia
Singapore and Malaysia are two neighboring Southeast Asian countries that have a complex and intertwined history. Over the years, there have been various points of disagreement and conflict between the two nations. However, there have also been areas where the two countries have managed to find common ground and cooperate. In this article, we will explore some of the points of agreement between Singapore and Malaysia.
1. Bilateral Trade
One of the most important areas of cooperation between Singapore and Malaysia is in the area of trade. The two countries have a long history of economic ties, with Singapore being Malaysia`s second-largest trading partner. The trade volume between the two countries stood at $85.3 billion in 2019. The two countries have also signed several bilateral trade agreements, such as the Malaysia-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (MSFTA).
2. Joint Infrastructure Projects
Singapore and Malaysia have also collaborated on several infrastructure projects. One of the most significant joint projects is the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail (HSR), which will connect the two cities with a 350 km/h train service. The project was initially scheduled to be completed by 2026 but has been postponed indefinitely. Aside from the HSR, the two countries have also cooperated on several water-related projects, such as the Johor River Waterworks.
3. Cross-Border Commuting
Another area of cooperation between Singapore and Malaysia is in cross-border commuting. Many Malaysians work in Singapore, and the two countries have worked together to improve the transportation links between the two countries. The two countries have implemented several cross-border bus services, such as the Causeway Link and the Shuttle Tebrau, which provide daily transportation between the two countries.
4. Joint Sports Events
Sports have also been an area of cooperation between Singapore and Malaysia. The two countries have jointly hosted several international sports events, such as the Southeast Asian Games. The two countries have also cooperated on several sports development programs, such as the Football Association of Singapore-Johor Southern Tigers partnership.
5. Cultural Exchanges
Finally, Singapore and Malaysia have cooperated on several cultural exchange programs. The two countries have a shared history and cultural heritage, and there have been several initiatives to promote cultural understanding and cooperation between the two countries. For example, the Singapore-Malaysia Cultural Exchange Program allows students from both countries to participate in exchange programs to learn about each other`s culture and heritage.
Conclusion
While Singapore and Malaysia have had their fair share of disagreements, the two countries have also managed to find common ground and cooperate in several areas. The bilateral trade relationship, infrastructure projects, cross-border commuting, joint sports events, and cultural exchanges are just a few examples of the points of agreement between Singapore and Malaysia. As the two countries continue to work together, they can build on these successes and find new areas of cooperation for the benefit of both their peoples.
