Tokyo, December 16 (AseanAll)  — Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who is in Tokyo for the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit, met Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio on 16 December 2023，according to Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Photo source: Prime Minister's Office of Japan 

Lee Hsien Loong and Kishida reaffirmed the longstanding and excellent relations between Singapore and Japan. Both leaders discussed how Singapore and Japan could further expand and deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest such as the future economy, digitalisation, sustainability and energy, and security. 

Both Prime Ministers also welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Singapore and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan on the establishment of a Green and Digital Shipping Corridor between ports in Singapore and Japan, to facilitate the adoption of digital solutions and the provision of zero and near-zero emission fuels through demonstration projects. Both Prime Ministers looked forward to celebrating 60 years of Singapore-Japan diplomatic relations in 2026.

Photo source: Prime Minister's Office of Japan 

Both leaders also exchanged views on regional and international developments, and emphasised the importance of upholding a rules-based international order and the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter. 

Both leaders welcomed the upgrade of ASEAN-Japan relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership earlier this year, and noted that this would be an opportunity to further ties between both sides as well as jointly address the challenges facing the region.