Signing of New Memorandum of Discussion concerning the Japan-Singapore Partnership Programme for the 21st Century

December 14, 2007

At 6:45 p.m. today, Mr. Masahiko Koumura, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, and Mr. George Yeo, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore, signed a Memorandum of Discussion (MOD) in Tokyo, providing a new framework of the Japan-Singapore Partnership Programme for the 21st Century (JSPP21). Mr. George Yeo is now staying in Japan to attend the Second meeting of the Nalanda University Mentor Group.
This newly signed MOD, based on the agreement reached at the Foreign Ministerial and Summit meetings in 2005 and in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of this partnership programme for joint technical assistance to developing countries extended by Japan and Singapore, strengthens JSPP21 to contribute further to the integration of ASEAN by prioritizing (a) trade and investment facilitation, (b) information and communications technology development, (c) infectious disease management, (d) energy security, (e) governance and the maintenance of stable financial systems, (f) environmental protection areas.
On the occasion of this signing ceremony, the two Foreign Ministers agreed to increase the volume of JSPP21 activities and to discuss details between the two countries.

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