Japan-Singapore Relations
Meeting between Prime Minister ISHIBA Shigeru and Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong of the Republic of Singapore
(Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)
(Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)
(Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)
On August 25, from 12:05 p.m. for approximately 25 minutes, Mr. ISHIBA Shigeru, Prime Minister of Japan, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Lee Hsien Loong, Senior Minister of the Republic of Singapore, who is visiting Japan to participate in the National Day Event of the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. Following the meeting, Prime Minister ISHIBA presented the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun to Senior Minister Lee. The overview of the meeting and the conferment ceremony is as follows:
Both sides then exchanged their views on various issues in a cordial atmosphere over a luncheon from 12:45 p.m. for approximately 60 minutes.
1. Meeting
- Prime Minister ISHIBA welcomed Senior Minister Lee's visit to Japan on the occasion of the National Day event of the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan and conveyed congratulations on the conferment of the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun to the Senior Minister. Prime Minister ISHIBA also expressed his desire to further strengthen bilateral relations with Singapore, which shares fundamental values and principles on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Singapore next year. In response, Senior Minister Lee expressed sincere gratitude for the decoration and stated that he would like to continue contributing to the development of Japan-Singapore relations.
- Both sides recognized the importance of further cooperation for maintaining and strengthening free and open international order based on the rule of law amid growing uncertainty of the international situation. Both sides also exchanged views on cooperation towards the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Singapore.
2. Conferment Ceremony
Prime Minister ISHIBA mentioned that His Majesty the Emperor conferred the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun to Senior Minister Lee for his remarkable achievements in the development of bilateral cooperation between Japan and Singapore during his 20 years as Prime Minister, and congratulated on the decoration. Additionally, Prime Minister ISHIBA mentioned that he had met with Senior Minister Lee on various occasions, including during his time as Minister of Defense 17 years ago, and was impressed by his thoughtful discussions.
Prime Minister ISHIBA stated that a leader representing Asia, praising Japan's proactive engagement in the region, and supporting Japan’s initiatives including at international conferences, in fact contributed to promoting understanding and friendship between Japan and Singapore. Prime Minister ISHIBA also expressed his expectations for Senior Minister Lee’s continued commitment to Japan-Singapore relations as its good friend.
In response, Senior Minister Lee delivered a speech of acceptance and stated his intention to continue being a reliable partner of Japan.