Japan-Singapore Relations
Japan-Singapore Summit Meeting
March 18, 2026
(Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)
(Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)
(Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)
On March 18, commencing at 6:00 p.m. for approximately 15 minutes, Ms. TAKAICHI Sanae, Prime Minister of Japan, held a Japan-Singapore Summit Meeting with H.E. Mr. Lawrence Wong, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the Republic of Singapore, who is visiting Japan. Following the meeting, the two leaders had a working dinner for approximately 55 minutes. The overview of the meeting and the working dinner is as follows:
- Prime Minister TAKAICHI welcomed Prime Minister Wong to Japan and expressed her hope to deepen the cordial relations between Japan and Singapore through various exchanges and projects on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries this year. In response, Prime Minister Wong expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome by the Japanese side and stated his desire to further advance the bilateral relations through this meeting.
- The two leaders concurred to establish the Japan-Singapore bilateral relations to a “Strategic Partnership” on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. They also identified the “five priority cooperation areas” as follows: (1) promotion of free trade and economic cooperation; (2) digitalization and technology; (3) security and defense; (4) green transition and energy cooperation; and (5) partnership and exchange. The two leaders announced the “Joint Statement on the Establishment of a Strategic Partnership between Japan and the Republic of Singapore”, which outlines the direction of cooperation in these areas and will serve as a compass for future bilateral relations.
- The two leaders confirmed the significance of deepening cooperation between Japan and Singapore as like-minded countries that have jointly upholdand advocated a rules-based, free and open international order and free trade amid increasingly challenging international circumstances.
Prime Minister TAKAICHI, noting that this year marks the 10th anniversary of Japan's proposal of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP), expressed the determination to strategically evolve its FOIP initiatives to strengthen the autonomy and resilience of each nations, in light of recent changes including the intensifying geopolitical competition and accelerating technological innovation and hegemonic rivalry in AI and digital fields. In response, Prime Minister Wong expressed appreciation for Japan's contributions to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and stated his expectation for Japan’s further contributions in the region.
Furthermore, Prime Minister TAKAICHI explained about Japan's economic policies, which place emphasis on economic security. Both leaders concurred to advance concrete cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including AI, semiconductors, quantum technology, defense industries, and information and communications. - The two leaders also held extensive discussions on international situations, including situations in the Indo-Pacific, North Korea and the Middle East.
Prime Minister TAKAICHI, stating that ASEAN is key to the realization of FOIP, expressed the desire to deepen collaboration with Singapore, which serves as the country coordinator for Japan and will also serve as the ASEAN Chair next year. The two leaders then concurred to advance efforts, including cooperation that contributes to the mainstreaming of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).
The two leaders exchanged views on various issues concerning China. They concurred to coordinate their policies toward North Korea, including on nuclear and missile issues as well as the abductions issue.
Subsequently, regarding the tense situation in the Middle East, particularly concerning Iran, the two leaders exchanged views and confirmed their commitment to coordinate efforts toward the early de-escalation of the situation.
(Reference1) Attachment
Joint Statement on the Establishment of a Strategic Partnership Between Japan and the Republic of Singapore (English (PDF) 
/ Japanese (PDF) )
(Reference2) Memorandum of Cooperation signed in 2026
- Memorandum of Cooperation between the Cabinet Office of Japan and the Ministry of Digital Development and Information of the Republic of Singapore on Quantum Science, Technology, and Innovation
- Energy, Sustainability, and Climate Change Cooperation Framework
- Memorandum of Cooperation between the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan and the Ministry of Digital Development and Information of the Republic of Singapore on Mutual Recognition of Internet-of-Things Cybersecurity Schemes