JOHOR BARU: An official invitation has been received by Johor's Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar to visit Singapore in the near future.

       The invitation, from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to, was handed over by Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan during an audience with Sultan Ibrahim here on Thursday (Dec 2).

       "It was nice to meet Mr Balakrishnan after so long due to the pandemic. I would like to thank Singapore for all they have done for us in these difficult times.

       "Whatever happens here will impact Singapore and vice-versa. Hence, it is very important that our close ties are always fostered and preserved," said Sultan Ibrahim on his Facebook page on Thursday.

       Also present at the meeting were Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad and state secretary Datuk Azmi Rohani.

       On Monday (Nov 29), Prime Minister Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said that as close, immediate neighbours, the deep relationship between Malaysia and Singapore is of immense importance to both sides.

       "More active multi-level engagements and a much stronger cooperation are certainly the way forward for our two countries.

       "This is crucial for our cooperation to undertake effective and meaningful (economic) recovery efforts so that our countries will come out stronger following the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic," he said at a joint press conference with his Singapore counterpart Lee Hsien Loong during his official visit to the island republic.