MFA Press Statement: Emeritus Senior Minister (ESM) Goh Chok Tong's meeting with Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe on 13 March 2013

Emeritus Senior Minister (ESM) Goh Chok Tong called on Prime Minister Shinzo Abe this evening.  During the meeting, both leaders reaffirmed the excellent state of relations between Singapore and Japan, and discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation.  ESM Goh welcomed Japan's commitment to increase its engagement with ASEAN and said that Singapore stands ready to partner Japan in this endeavour.  Both leaders looked forward to more high-level exchanges between the two countries.  

ESM Goh and Prime Minister Abe also discussed regional developments.  ESM expressed support for Japan joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and was hopeful that Japan would do so soon.  ESM Goh and Prime Minister Abe also agreed that countries in the region should focus on enhancing cooperation, as this would contribute to stability and growth in the broader Asian region.

Earlier in the day, ESM Goh met Secretary-General of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan, Shigeru Ishiba.  They exchanged views on political and economic developments in Japan, as well as regional developments.  ESM Goh expressed support for Japan’s efforts to revitalise its economy. 

ESM Goh is on a working visit to Japan to meet top Japanese business leaders and heads of Japanese financial institutions as Senior Advisor to the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).  He will call on Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Taro Aso tomorrow.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

13 MARCH 2013