In view of this, the foreign ministry said, diplomatic efforts are underway to find amicable solutions to issues of concern to both countries.

“Despite recent incidents that seemed to undermine on-going diplomatic efforts, Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah received a letter with positive undertones from Singapore’s Foreign Minister, Vivian Balakrishnan,” a ministry statement said.

It said the two had met at the Asean Foreign Ministers’ Retreat in Chiang Mai, Thailand on Jan 17 and 18.

The statement said the ministry’s secretary-general Muhammad Shahrul Ikram Yaakob and Singapore’s permanent secretary to the foreign affairs ministry Chee Wee Kiong are scheduled to meet on Jan 28.

They will discuss and find solutions to maritime issues as well as legal and operational matters in order to de-escalate the situation on the ground and provide a basis for further discussions and negotiations, it said.

Wisma Putra said that in the coming weeks, Transport Minister Anthony Loke would also be meeting his Singaporean counterpart Khaw Boon Wan to discuss the way forward on airspace related issues between both countries.

The issues include the Instrument Landing System (ILS) and ILS Approach Procedures for Seletar Airport in Singapore.

“These continuing efforts signify the steadfast commitment of Malaysia to pursue diplomatic solutions to bilateral issues with its closest neighbour Singapore in a peaceful and constructive manner on the basis of equality and mutual respect.”

This was consistent with the understanding reached between the foreign ministers of the two countries on Jan 8, the ministry added.