Asia

On the morning of Saturday, May 31, Prime Minister Abe held a meeting with Mr. Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister of Singapore. 
 

(i) Prime Minister Lee welcomed Japan’s desire to contribute to regional peace and stability under the banner of “Proactive Contribution to Peace”, within the framework of the Japan-U.S. Alliance Prime Minister Abe explained that the Government of Japan has set out the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology and was deliberating the relationship between the right of collective self-defense and Japan’s Constitution as part of security policy initiatives. The two leaders also affirmed their intention to step up cooperation between the two countries’ defense authorities, building on the achievements made thus far.

(ii) Prime Minister Abe explained the economic policies of the Abe Administration and in particular its efforts to pursue structural reforms via growth strategies. He expressed his determination to carry out bold regulatory reforms through National Strategic Special Zones, inviting further investment from Singapore. Noting that the greatest latent potential for accelerated growth is the participation of women, Prime Minister Abe expressed his expectation for Singapore’s participation in “World Assembly for Women, Tokyo 2014", which is scheduled to be held in September. Giving his support to the conference, Prime Minister Lee expressed his intention to send Ms. Grace Fu, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, to the conference. The two leaders underscored the importance of the early conclusion of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), while reaffirming their intention to proceed with a general review of the implementation of the Japan-Singapore Economic Partnership Agreement (JSEPA). In addition, Prime Minister Lee pledged to lift the import restrictions on Japanese food products put in place after the Great East Japan Earthquake. (Note: According to a subsequent announcement made by the authority concerned, a ban on imports of food products produced in Fukushima Prefecture (excluding certain items) will be lifted). Prime Minister Abe expressed Japan’s interest to see its Shinkansen system being adopted for the Malaysia-Singapore high-speed railway project.

(iii) On cultural exchanges, the two leaders affirmed their intention to promote cultural exchanges such as the “WA Project – Toward Interactive Asia through “Fusion and Harmony””, including through Singapore’s Japan Creative Centre. 
 

(i) The two leaders also exchanged views on the current regional situation, including the South China Sea. Prime Minister Abe explained Japan’s basic stance including the importance of adherence to the rule of law, in maintaining peace and stability in the region, while commending ASEAN’s united response to the situation.

(ii) Additionally, Prime Minister Abe reaffirmed Japan’s intention to support ASEAN’s connectivity as much as possible towards the 2015 ASEAN integration, and Prime Minister Lee expressed appreciation for Japan’s support.

(1) In the afternoon of Friday, May 30, Prime Minister Abe visited integrated resorts (IRs) (Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa).

(2) In the afternoon of Saturday, May 31, Prime Minister Abe visited the Japan Creative Centre (JCC) to attend the opening ceremony for an exhibition of Japanese KŌGEI, the first event of the “WA-Project”.