MFA Press Release: Congratulatory Letter from PM Lee Hsien Loong to Japanese PM Taro Aso

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has written a congratulatory letter to Japanese PM Taro Aso.

The text of the letter is below.

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24 September 2008

Dear Aso-san

Please accept my sincere congratulations on your appointment as the Prime Minister of Japan. Your landslide victory in the LDP Presidential election reflects the strong support that you enjoy.

Singapore and Japan enjoy strong bilateral relations underpinned by a confluence of strategic interests. Japan has longstanding links with ASEAN. Under your leadership, I am confident that our bilateral relations and Japan's engagement with the region will be
further enhanced. There are many areas where Singapore and Japan can work together for mutual benefit, including environment protection and maritime security. Furthermore, Singapore and Japan will be hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in 2009 and 2010 respectively. This provides a unique opportunity for Singapore and Japan to cooperate in promoting regional economic
integration.

I recall our last meeting in March 2007 in Tokyo. I hope to continue our discussion, perhaps in Singapore when you make your regional visits.

Yours sincerely

Lee Hsien Loong [signed]

HE Taro Aso
Prime Minister
Japan