It said this demonstrated that ties between the two countries remained strong.

“The meeting will form the next positive step forward after the fruitful bilateral meeting held between the foreign affairs ministers of Malaysia and Singapore on Jan 8,” it said in a statement today.

Wisma Putra confirmed that Singapore had sought the postponement of the JMCIM meeting through a diplomatic note dated Jan 11.

It had been reported that the island state wanted the meeting postponed because Johor Menteri Besar Osman Sapian had allegedly trespassed into Singapore waters on Jan 9 during a visit to Johor Bahru port.

Osman insisted he did not trespass into Singapore waters and all he did was to watch Malaysian security teams do their job.

Wisma Putra said the two foreign ministers were in communication, and agreed that both sides should remain calm and not sensationalise the matter.

“The ministry is confident that the current momentum of engagement between Malaysia and Singapore will continue and reiterates its commitment to strengthen bilateral relations with Singapore based on equality and mutual respect,” it said.