SM Lee: Japan-S’pore ties to be ‘even more dynamic, progressive’
Set to mark 60 years of bilateral relations, nations seek more ways to cooperate
By Walter Sim
Japan Correspondent
OSAKA - The enduring friendship between Singapore and Japan "has stood the test of time", Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Sunday, expressing optimism that the ties between the two countries will become "even more dynamic and progressive in the years ahead".
He was speaking at a reception in Osaka to mark 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries and told Japanese officials and Singaporeans who attended the event that both Asian nations have shared a long history and deep people-to-people links.
PM Lee noted the growing economic and security cooperation between Singapore and Japan, as well as their partnership in multilateral forums such as the Association of South-east Asian Nations (Asean), the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Group of 20 (G-20).
He also lauded the exchange of visits by leaders at all levels, which has covered a wide variety of areas, such as economic, education and research.
Both countries, PM Lee said, have partnered in exploring new growth areas. In recent years, for instance, Singapore and Japan have worked together in digital and green economies, including working on digital trade agreements, sustainability goals and smarter city solutions.
He noted that both countries faced global and regional challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, as well as risks of weaponisation of trade and supply chains.
In their speeches, both SM Lee and Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who is leading a separate delegation to the World Expo in Osaka, highlighted the deepening ties between Singapore and Japan achieved over the years.
Both countries have also participated in bilateral initiatives including educational exchanges, cultural events, and joint research projects, which have fostered mutual understanding and people-to-people bonds. Singapore artists whose artworks are on display in the exhibition at the venue are examples.
Both leaders expressed deep appreciation for the strong and growing economic linkages. Japan remains a significant investor in Singapore, with major Japanese companies and financial institutions making Singapore their regional headquarters.
Singapore companies, in turn, have also invested in Japan and contributed to the local economy.
Both countries also face similar global issues that are the region and the world have to grapple with. These include the uncertainties caused by the war in Ukraine, the slowdown of globalisation, the impact of AI, as well as rising protectionism.
Both countries, PM Lee said, "must continue to uphold free trade and multilateralism, invest in future growth, and nurture the next generation of people to keep the partnership growing from strength to strength and to address emerging challenges".
Both countries mark among each other’s top five investment partners, with Singapore the No. 1 investment destination for Japan in Southeast Asia, while Japan is the second largest Asian investor in Singapore, after China.
Singapore leaders from various sectors have also participated in the annual Singapore Summit in Japan, which was started in 2012, to discuss opportunities for deeper collaboration in economic, technological and social development.
Both people-to-people ties, like Japanese-sponsored sports and fans who enjoy Japanese culture in Singapore, also show the strength of the bonds.
Some 36,000 Japanese nationals call Singapore home, while about 40,000 Singaporeans live and work or study in Japan.
As both nations plan to build on these achievements, PM Lee said: "We should continue to tap each other’s strengths to build a better tomorrow."
He also highlighted the joint space agreement signed in May between Singapore and Japan, which covers the use of data for natural disasters, satellite development and joint exploration projects. Scientists from both countries recently announced the discovery of the largest Martian rocks on Earth.
SM Lee also went on to praise the supporting role that Japanese companies have played in Singapore’s growth and economy.
He said that as Singapore faces its own unique challenges, it looks forward to learning from Japan’s expertise in fields from education to energy, aging population, sustainability, and urban transportation.
Both sides, he said, have made mutual efforts to nurture young leaders, and these people-to-people partnerships will strengthen the foundation for future collaboration.
This was the message in his speech at the reception to mark the 60th anniversary of relations between Singapore and Japan, held after the World Expo opening in Osaka.
He also pointed to the exhibition by Singapore artists at the event, which he said reflected the spirit of innovation and cultural connection between the two countries.
“As we look ahead to the possibilities over the next 60 years, I am confident this special relationship will become even more dynamic and progressive,” he said, highlighting the power of deepening collaboration.
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