SINGAPORE - Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim and his wife, Che’ Puan Besar Khaleeda, called on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Mrs Lee on Monday and were hosted to tea at the Istana.

In a Facebook post, PM Lee said Johor is a key gateway between Singapore and Malaysia.

He said: “We have a special relationship with Johor. We are connected by deep ties of kinship and robust economic links, which have been sustained despite the Covid-19 pandemic. I look forward to further strengthening ties between Singapore and Johor.”

Tunku Ismail is on a three-day official visit to Singapore from July 10 to 12 at the invitation of Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan.

In a Facebook post, the Crown Prince said he and his wife were hosted to dinner by Dr Balakrishnan and his wife on Monday at Capella Singapore in Sentosa.

During his visit, Tunku Ismail will also call on Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong.

PM Lee, in his post, said Tunku Ismail has a busy programme in Singapore. “I am sure that he will have useful discussions, and explore ways to build on our excellent relationship. I wish him a fruitful visit,” he said.

Tunku Ismail’s programme in Singapore includes a visit to the Singapore Armed Forces commando unit and a tour of Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Secondary School in Bishan.

Tunku Ismail will also join Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong to witness the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Football Association of Singapore and the Johor Football Association.

The agreement will pave the way for cooperation on football development, and the setting up of an annual cup tie between players from Singapore and Johor from 2024.