His Majesty the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar and HM the Permaisuri of Johor, Raja Zarith Sofiah Binti Almarhum Sultan Idris Shah, Singapore Prime Minister, Dato’ Lee Hsien Loong and his wife, Datin Paduka Ho Ching pose with Dendrobium Ibrahim Zarith, an orchid hybrid named in the honour of the royals.
Sultan Ibrahim hopes that his three-day official visit to Singapore helped strengthen Johor-Singapore ties and accelerate economic cooperation for the benefit of people in both states.
The Sultan made the remark during a toast to Singapore Prime Minister Dato’ Lee Hsien Loong, who hosted a luncheon at the Istana following the visit’s meeting.
HM the Permaisuri of Johor, Raja Zarith Sofiah Binti Almarhum Sultan Idris Shah, HRH Major General Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, The Crown Prince of Johor, and his wife, HH Che’ Puan Besar Khaleeda, were also present.
Others in attendance included Singapore’s Prime Minister’s wife, Datin Paduka Ho Ching, Johor Menteri Besar, Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Johor State Secretary, Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Azmi Rohani and several Singapore cabinet ministers and Johor dignitaries.
Sultan Ibrahim expressed his gratitude to Dato’ Lee for inviting him to visit the island state, and he praised the Prime Minister’s leadership, vision, and aspirations for Singapore’s progress and prosperity.
“Over the years the close cooperation and understanding with Singapore in many ways have benefitted Johor, especially in its socio-economic development. I pray for your good health and a bright and prosperous Singapore,” he told Dato’ Lee.
Prime Minister Lee paid tribute to Johor and Singapore’s long-standing friendship in his toast, saying he looks forward to expanding cooperation.
“I am confident that with his support, relations between Singapore and Johor will continue to strengthen and deepen,” he said before toasting to their Majesties’ well-being and Johor’s continued peace and prosperity.
