Singapore to host water talks

Singapore to host water talks

SINGAPORE: Singapore will host a second round of talks with Malaysia next week on a package of issues still rankling bilateral ties, including a water dispute, the foreign ministry said Saturday.

Foreign Minister S. Jayakumar will hold discussions with Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar on Monday and Tuesday, the ministry said in a statement.

The talks follow the first round of negotiations held in Malaysia in early July.

On top of the agenda is a pricing formula for raw water imported by resource-starved Singapore from its neighbor. Malaysia has sought to raise the price.

Other unresolved issues include a proposed new bridge link, use of Malaysian airspace by Singaporean aircraft and the location of Malaysia's customs, immigration and quarantine facilities in Singapore. -- AFP