As Singapore and Japan mark six decades of diplomatic ties, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong highlights the deep history of cooperation and outlines a vision for future collaboration in trade, technology, and regional stability.
Lawrence Wong, Prime Minister and Finance Minister of Singapore, will begin his first official visit to Japan on 17 March 2026. The visit marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, highlighting a long-standing partnership that has grown stronger over time.
In an opinion article published by Nikkei, Wong reflected on the history of cooperation between Singapore and Japan. During the visit, he is expected to meet Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to celebrate the milestone and discuss ways to deepen ties.
Singapore and Japan established diplomatic relations in 1966. In the early years, Japan supported Singapore’s economic development through investments and technical assistance. In the 1970s, companies like Toshiba, Sumitomo Corporation, and Mitsui & Co. set up operations in Singapore, creating jobs and boosting industrial growth.
In the 1980s, Singapore benefited from programmes led by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, which helped the country move towards advanced manufacturing. By the 1990s, both nations began working together to support developing countries through initiatives like the Japan-Singapore Partnership for the 21st Century.
A key milestone came in 2002 with the signing of the Japan-Singapore Economic Partnership Agreement. The agreement strengthened trade and helped Japanese companies expand across Southeast Asia, using Singapore as a regional hub.
Today, both countries are part of major trade agreements such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, promoting open trade and economic integration.
Wong said Singapore and Japan can deepen cooperation in areas like digital trade, artificial intelligence, and innovation. He also stressed the importance of working with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to support regional growth.
Marking the 60th anniversary, Wong compared it to “kanreki,” a Japanese tradition symbolising renewal. He said both countries are ready to build a new chapter of cooperation for the future.
Source: PMO
