Prime Ministers Lee Hsien Loong and Kishida Fumio discuss bilateral cooperation, sign key maritime agreement during the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit in Tokyo.
Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong engaged in a significant meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio on 16 December 2023, as part of the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit taking place in Tokyo.
Both leaders took the opportunity to reaffirm the strong and longstanding relations between their respective countries. The discussions focused on avenues to further expand and deepen cooperation, particularly in areas of mutual interest such as the future economy, digitalization, sustainability and energy, and security.
During the meeting, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Singapore and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan. This agreement outlines the establishment of a Green and Digital Shipping Corridor connecting ports in Singapore and Japan. The initiative aims to facilitate the adoption of digital solutions and promote the use of zero and near-zero emission fuels through various demonstration projects.
Prime Minister Lee and Prime Minister Kishida expressed anticipation for the upcoming celebration of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Japan in 2026.
The leaders also exchanged views on regional and international developments, emphasizing the importance of upholding a rules-based international order and adhering to the principles of the United Nations Charter. Both leaders welcomed the recent upgrade of ASEAN-Japan relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, recognizing it as an opportunity to strengthen ties and collaboratively address challenges in the region.
The ports involved in the Green and Digital Shipping Corridor initiative include Port of Kawasaki, Port of Kobe, Port of Nagoya, Port of Osaka, Port of Tokyo, and Port of Yokohama.
Source – MFA
