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 in Singapore early this week.

According to a joint statement by Foreign Minister Anifah Aman and his Singapore counterpart George Yeo released by their

respective foreign ministries today, 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 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.

The officials also discussed the implementation details arising from the agreement reached between Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and his Singapore counterpart Lee Hsien Loong at the leaders’ retreat on May 24 this year.

During the May meeting, both leaders, among others, agreed to look into the implementation of a rapid transit system connectivity between Johor Bahru and Singapore, co-locate the CIQ (Custom, Immigration and Quarantine) facilities the Woodlands train checkpoint and establish a joint venture company that will develop the Keretapi Tanah Melayu land in Singapore after the latter vacates Tanjong Pagar station on July 1 next year.

The statement said the meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere.

It added that both sides were pleased with the progress that had been made so far by the various sub-committees and the working groups on issues related to the implementation of the joint statement between the two prime ministers.

It was agreed that the next MSJIT meeting would be held in Kuala Lumpur on Dec 22 and 23. The MSJIT will complete its work by Dec 31, 2010.

- Bernama