13 Feb 2018
Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Taro Kono called on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana and was hosted to breakfast by Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan today.
Prime Minister Lee and Minister Kono reaffirmed the close and longstanding relations between Singapore and Japan, underpinned by robust economic and business links. Prime Minister Lee commended Japan’s leadership in concluding negotiations on the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and looked forward to strengthening bilateral economic cooperation through a review of the Japan-Singapore Economic Partnership Agreement (JSEPA). They also had a broad discussion on regional and global developments, including the Korean Peninsula and ASEAN-Japan relations.
Minister Balakrishnan and Minister Kono discussed how our two countries could expand bilateral cooperation in existing and new areas such as air connectivity, innovation and digital technology, as well as enhance the Japan-Singapore Partnership Programme for the 21st Century. The Ministers exchanged views on regional issues, including the situation on the Korean Peninsula and Japan’s engagement of Southeast Asia. Minister Balakrishnan explained Singapore’s priorities and initiatives for our ASEAN Chairmanship, including the ASEAN Smart Cities Network. As we celebrate the 45th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan dialogue relations this year, Minister Balakrishnan expressed appreciation for Japan’s contributions to ASEAN’s development over the years, and looked forward to working together to further deepen and broaden ASEAN-Japan cooperation during our Chairmanship.
Minister Kono also visited the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, including the Port Operations Control Centre, where he was briefed on the ongoing bilateral maritime cooperation.
. . . . .
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
12 FEBRUARY 2018
