MFA Press Statement: Official Visit of Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Fumio Kishida, 10-11 January 2013

Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Fumio Kishida called on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong today at the Istana. Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law K Shanmugam separately met and hosted Minister Kishida to lunch. Minister Kishida's visit to Singapore is the second stop of his first overseas visit since his appointment as Foreign Minister.

During their meetings with Minister Kishida, our leaders reaffirmed the excellent bilateral ties and close cooperation between Singapore and Japan, which are underpinned by longstanding and deep economic and business links. Since the conclusion of the Japan-Singapore Economic Partnership Agreement (JSEPA) in 2002, bilateral trade and investment has expanded steadily and brought significant benefits to the two countries. Under the Japan-Singapore Partnership Programme for the 21st Century (JSPP21), both countries have also worked closely to extend joint technical assistance to other countries in the region. Our leaders discussed with Minister Kishida how both countries could further strengthen cooperation in the bilateral and regional context through the JSEPA, JSPP21 and other mechanisms.

Both sides also engaged in an exchange of views on regional political and security developments. Our leaders expressed appreciation for Japan’s crucial contributions to the economic development of all ASEAN Member States as well as to ASEAN as an organisation over the last 40 years. Economic growth and development has formed the foundation for peace and stability in Southeast Asia. Minister Kishida’s early visit to the region reflects the importance that Japan attaches to its relations with ASEAN. Our leaders expressed Singapore's strong support for the deepening of Japan's engagement of ASEAN.

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
11 JANUARY 2013