The Johor Government is determined to continue fostering closer ties with the federal government.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the move was because the state government believed the federal government could help Johor emerge as a new economic force.

At the same time, it would also ensure that the aspirations of the federal government were in line with those of the state government, he said.

"All these will not be possible without close ties with the federal government. So, the state government and I are determined to continue to foster close ties with the federal government," he said in his speech at the closing ceremony of the 2017 Progressive Johor Expo at Dataran Mahkota in Kota Iskandar here Saturday.

The closing programme was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Mohamed Khaled said in developing Johor, the government would always stress certain aspects, including detailed planning in drawing up action.

It would also ensure that the progress enjoyed by Johor was not only physical but also help the people develop a progressive way of thinking.

This progressive way of thinking, he said, meant the people would always work to improve themselves, and be progressive in education, attitude and mind.

-- BERNAMA