Hanoi (VNA) -  Both Singapore and Malaysiamust act in "good faith" to overcome bilateral issues betweenthe two countries, said Singaporean Minister of Foreign Affairs VivianBalakrishnan.

In his ministerial statement at the Parliament on January 14, Balakrishnansaid that despite these current difficulties, Singapore still hopes towork with Malaysia for better relations, and closer cooperation that benefitsboth sides.  

"However, both sidesmust act in good faith, in compliance with international law and norms, andhonour existing agreements," he said. 

The minister also emphasised that he does not expect a quick orsmooth resolution to all these issues but stressed that Singapore will do itsbest to discuss these issues with Malaysia in a calm, reasonable, and focusedmanner.

In his statement, Balakrishnan went through Singapore's stancein airspace, maritime and water disputes with Malaysia. 

The maritime dispute wassparked by Malaysia's unilateral decision to extend the Johor Bahru portlimits in October, and the subsequent intrusion of Malaysian government vesselsin Singapore waters.

Singapore lodged a strong protest with the Malaysiangovernment over the port limits which it said encroaches into Singapore'sterritorial waters off Tuas. It added in a media statement that Malaysia'sactions are "a serious violation of Singapore’s sovereignty andinternational law".

In a joint statement issued aftera meeting between Balakrishnan and hisMalaysian counterpart Saifuddin Abdullah in Singapore on January 8, the twoministers agreed to take measures to ease the tensions related to marine andairspace disputes.

Accordingly, Singapore will cancel the use of InstrumentLanding System (ILS) procedures for Seletar airport, which is not far fromMalaysia’s Johor state. In return, Malaysia will repeal the no-flight zone inPasir Gudang town.

Regarding the marine dispute, the two sides agreed to establish a working groupto study and discuss legal and operational matters in order to de-escalate the situation on the ground.-VNA