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Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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MFA Press Statement: Introductory visit by Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan to Japan, 24 to 27 April 2016

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25 April 2016

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan calls on Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe, 25 April 2016 [Photo Credit: MFA] Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian ...

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Shinzo Abe and another man sit in armchairs; one man in a suit takes notes.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan calls on Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe, 25 April 2016 [Photo Credit: MFA]

                Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan is on an introductory visit to Japan from 24 to 27 April 2016 on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Japan.  Minister Balakrishnan called on Prime Minister Shinzo Abe this morning.  They both reaffirmed the excellent state of Singapore-Japan relations, which are underpinned by regular high-level exchanges, strong economic links and a common strategic outlook.  

                Minister Balakrishnan affirmed Japan’s strong engagement of Southeast Asia and the wider region.  Minister Balakrishnan and Prime Minister Abe discussed the important role played by Japan in maintaining peace and stability in Asia. Minister Balakrishnan welcomed Japan’s “Proactive Contribution to Peace” policy and the related legislation that would enable Japan to play a greater strategic role in the region within the framework of the US-Japan Security Alliance.  Both sides agreed that constructive, peaceful and cooperative relations between Japan and its neighbours would benefit not only Japan but also the entire region.  

                Minister Balakrishnan also discussed the close Singapore-Japan relations as well as developments in Japan and the region when he met Minister of the Environment Tamayo Marukawa, Secretary-General of the Liberal Democratic Party Sadakazu Tanigaki, Komeito Chief Representative Natsuo Yamaguchi, and members of the Japan-Singapore Parliamentary Friendship League including its Chairman Kenji Kosaka and Minister in charge of Economic Revitalisation Nobuteru Ishihara.  Minister Balakrishnan also attended the 11th Japan-Singapore Symposium welcome reception hosted by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Seiji Kihara this evening.

                Over the next two days, Minister Balakrishnan will meet other Japanese political and business leaders including Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida tomorrow.  He will deliver a Keynote Address at the 11th Japan-Singapore Symposium’s Open Forum on the morning of 26 April. 

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

25 April 2016