Japan-Singapore Relations
Japan-Singapore Summit Telephone Talk
May 25, 2021
On May 25, commencing at 4:25 p.m. for 20 minutes, Mr. SUGA Yoshihide, Prime Minister of Japan, held a telephone talk with H.E. Mr. LEE Hsien Loong, Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore. The overview of the talk is as follows
- The two leaders exchanged views on combatting COVID-19, including vaccinations. Prime Minister Suga stated that he would do his utmost to ensure fair access to safe and effective vaccines throughout the world, including developing countries
, and asked for cooperation in the COVAX AMC Summit, which Japan will co-host with Gavi on June 2. - Both leaders affirmed to actualize regional cooperation between the two countries to promote a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” and “ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific,” and from this viewpoint, to enhance various economic fields including green, digital, third-country infrastructure, and maintenance/enhancement of the multilateral free trade system. They also affirmed to cooperate on security matters, including defense equipment.
- Prime Minister Lee expressed Singapore's intention to completely lift its import restrictions on food products from Japan in wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake. Prime Minister Suga welcomed Singapore’s plan to lift the restrictions in this year, on the tenth anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake.
- Prime Minister Suga expressed his support for ASEAN's diplomatic efforts to resolve the situation in Myanmar, including the "Five-Point Consensus" from the ASEAN Leaders' Meeting. The two leaders concurred on continuing to work together on this effort.
- The two leaders concurred on planning Prime Minister Suga's visit to Singapore at a time that is convenient for both parties, with taking into account the situation of COVID-19.
- Prime Minister Lee expressed his best wishes for the success of the Tokyo Olympics.
[Reference] COVAX AMC Summit
An online meeting will be held on June 2 (co-hosted by Japan and Gavi), for the purpose of increasing the funds of the Advance Market Commitment (AMC), a COVAX support initiative for promoting equitable dissemination of the COVID-19 vaccine to low-income countries.
Expected participants include donor countries such as G7, international organizations such as WHO, private organizations such as Gates Foundation, and representatives of civil society.