Joint Press Statement by Dr Rais Yatim, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia and George Yeo, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Republic of Singapore: Meeting between Malaysia and the Republic of Singapore on the Implementation of the International Court of Justice Judgement on Pedra Branca, Middle Rocks and South Ledge, Singapore, 3 June 2008

MEETING BETWEEN MALAYSIA AND THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE
ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE JUDGMENT ON
PEDRA BRANCA, MIDDLE ROCKS AND SOUTH LEDGE

SINGAPORE, 3 JUNE 2008

Malaysia and Singapore met on 3 June 2008 in Singapore to discuss the implementation of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) Judgment on Pedra Branca, Middle Rocks and South Ledge issued on 23 May 2008.  The Malaysian delegation was led by Tan Sri Rastam Mohd Isa, Secretary-General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia, and the Singapore delegation was led by Mr Peter Ho, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore.

Both sides reiterated their commitment to honour and abide by the ICJ's Judgment and fully implement its decision.  It was agreed that a technical sub-committee would be set up to oversee the conduct of Joint Survey Works to prepare for eventual talks on maritime issues in and around Pedra Branca, Middle Rocks and South Ledge.  Both sides also agreed that in the event of an incident occurring in the waters in and around Pedra Branca, Middle Rocks and South Ledge, humanitarian assistance will be provided by either side to the affected vessels as part of our common aim of ensuring the safety and security in and around these waters.

The Joint Committee also agreed that fishermen on both sides would be allowed to continue with their current traditional fishing activities in the waters around Pedra Branca, Middle Rocks and South Ledge.

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MALAYSIA 

REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE 

6 JUNE 2008