Singapore PM Lawrence Wong Extends Warm Congratulations to Newly-Appointed Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba

In an official statement released on Tuesday, October 1, Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong expressed his congratulations to Shigeru Ishiba following his appointment as Japan's Prime Minister. This announcement came from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighting the close diplomatic ties and cooperation between Singapore and Japan.

Shigeru Ishiba, previously the defense minister, emerged victorious in a tightly contested election within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and received parliamentary confirmation for his new role at the age of 67. In his congratulatory letter, PM Wong acknowledged the confidence the LDP has shown in Ishiba's leadership.

The letter emphasized the "warm, substantive, and longstanding" relations that exist between Singapore and Japan, noting their collaborations in multiple sectors, including economic and defense initiatives. Wong elaborated on how this collaboration has evolved, particularly in emerging sectors such as startups, innovation, and green and digital transformations, as well as security cooperation.

Highlighting their joint efforts during crisis situations, Wong stated that both nations had successfully navigated challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic by issuing a joint statement on supply chain resilience and facilitating essential travel lanes.

The partnership between Singapore and Japan is further strengthened by mutual support in international forums. Wong expressed appreciation for Japan's contributions to various agreements, including the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), along with active participation in organizations like the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations (UN).

Additionally, Singapore plays a crucial role as the country coordinator for ASEAN-Japan relations, with Wong committing to deepening these ties further. In a personal note, he reminisced about his memories with Ishiba, recalling a friendly interaction during a 2014 Meet-the-People session in Wong's constituency.

Looking ahead, PM Wong is keen on collaborating to strengthen the relations as both nations prepare to celebrate the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2026.

In a separate letter, Wong also extended his best wishes to outgoing Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. He acknowledged Kishida's successes in domestic and international arenas, including economic growth and security enhancements. Wong reflected on Kishida’s leadership, which had positively impacted ASEAN-Japan relations, particularly during the G7 Hiroshima Summit earlier this year.

The bond between the two nations has undoubtedly deepened under Kishida's administration. Wong noted the significance of Kishida’s visit to Singapore in 2022 and their fruitful discussions during Wong's recent visit to Japan in May 2023.

As Singapore and Japan look forward to landmark anniversaries, Wong expressed his anticipation for a continued partnership, wishing both Ishiba and Kishida success in their respective roles.

Stay tuned to see how the dynamics of East Asia change under Ishiba's administration! Will this new leadership usher in a transformative era for Japan and its foreign relations?