PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia's Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his visiting Singaporean counterpart, Lawrence Wong, have affirmed their commitment to working closely to create a stronger bond between the two countries and across all sectors.

In their first official meeting at Seri Perdana here Wednesday, Anwar said he and Wong discussed bilateral relations in a frank and open manner to enhance them further.

He said Wong, who arrived here on Tuesday for a two-day introductory visit at his invitation, was as committed as his predecessor in addressing the outstanding and ongoing bilateral issues, such as the economic zone, investment, water agreement, airspace and maritime borders.

"I am very pleased with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. He seems to be as committed in this first meeting as prime minister. I am deeply impressed by his agenda and his willingness to be very frank, very open.

"I look forward to a very healthy and strong relations and bond to benefit both our countries," Anwar said in a joint news conference with Wong after a lunch meeting.

Anwar said a strong and vibrant Malaysia-Singapore relations would benefit not just both nations but also the region at large.

"I see this in a pragmatic manner that Malaysia would, of course, immensely benefit by having Singapore as a great friend and neighbour, and similarly to the benefit of Singaporeans, too. We consider Singapore a very important strategic partner and I have said it without any qualms.

"There are, of course, issues to be resolved, but it would be of great benefit. We could showcase not only to the region but to the world that we can really be good neighbours, and through practical steps, resolve some of these issues.

"We should also seek new avenues of collaboration and cooperation that not only transcend economic and trade, but also culture and tourism and all related fields," he added.