Johor Bahru - Singapore and Malaysia share a strong and close relationship, and regular exchanges help to maintain the ties, said Manpower Minister Ng Eng Hen and Transport Minister Raymond Lim, who celebrated Hari Raya with the Sultan of Johor on Saturday.
Dr Ng and Mr Lim, along with their wives, were warmly welcomed by Sultan Mahmood Iskandar.
The visit to Istana Bukit Serene in Johor Bahru has become an annual tradition that signals the strong friendship between both countries.
Dr Ng said: "Each time I come, it‘s a renewing of ties, with the same feeling of warmth and closeness that both the Sultan and Sultana have shared. Always very good food and excellent ties."
"We have longstanding ties with Johor and these regular visits that we do help to keep this relationship strong. Overall bilateral relationships are also enhanced with such regular exchanges," said Mr Lim.
After a two-hour lunch, the Sultan charmed his guests with his collection of baby crocodiles.
The Sultan is an avid collector of exotic pets and apart from several species of big cats, he also has a particular fondness for eagles.
Dr Ng later visited Tunku Abdul Majid Idris, the second son of Sultan Iskandar.
This is the first time a Singapore minister has been invited to the Tunku‘s house for Hari Raya.
Source: www.channelnewsasia.com (17 Oktober 2007)
