PM Wong reaffirms commitment to deepen bilateral and ASEAN cooperation as Japan welcomes its first female prime minister
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has congratulated Takaichi Sanae on her appointment as Japan’s new prime minister, reaffirming Singapore’s commitment to strengthen bilateral ties and deepen regional cooperation under her leadership.
Strengthening a Longstanding Partnership
In a congratulatory letter sent on Oct 21, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong lauded Takaichi Sanae, leader of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party, for her victory in the parliamentary vote that secured her premiership. He highlighted that Singapore and Japan share multifaceted and enduring relations that have expanded across numerous sectors — from innovation and start-ups to defence and the green economy.
“Singapore and Japan enjoy longstanding relations that have grown from strength to strength,” PM Wong wrote, emphasizing both nations’ shared vision as “trusted partners committed to upholding the multilateral trading system and supporting the rules-based international order.”
Shared Vision for ASEAN and Regional Stability
PM Wong noted that Singapore, as ASEAN’s country coordinator for Japan relations until 2027, would continue to strengthen cooperation between Tokyo and ASEAN to promote regional peace and prosperity.
He also expressed confidence that Japan would remain one of ASEAN’s most substantive partners, especially as both nations look toward commemorating 60 years of diplomatic relations in 2026.
“I look forward to working closely with you to deepen our relations and forge an enduring partnership for the benefit of our peoples,” PM Wong concluded.
Takaichi Sanae: Japan’s First Female Prime Minister
Takaichi Sanae made history as Japan’s first female prime minister, a development that drew international attention. Known for her conservative stance, Takaichi previously served as Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy and visited Singapore in 2007.
During that visit, she met with then-Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and discussed cooperation in technology and innovation with representatives from the National University of Singapore (NUS) and A*STAR, commending Singapore’s progress in building world-class research centres.
PM Wong Commends Outgoing Leader Ishiba Shigeru
In a separate letter, PM Wong extended his appreciation to outgoing Japanese prime minister Ishiba Shigeru, acknowledging his leadership in advancing regional stability and partnerships.
“Your leadership in deepening Japan’s partnerships with regional and global stakeholders contributed to the region’s continued growth and stability,” PM Wong said, noting that Ishiba’s 2025 visits to Southeast Asia reflected Japan’s ongoing commitment to peace and prosperity in the region.
As Japan enters a new political chapter under Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae, Singapore’s reaffirmed commitment marks a continuation of six decades of robust bilateral relations. The partnership between both nations — grounded in shared strategic values and regional cooperation — is set to grow further ahead of their 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2026.
Sources: AsiaOne (2025) , Must Share News (2025)
Keywords: Singapore Japan Relations, PM Lawrence Wong, Takaichi Sanae, ASEAN Relations, Diplomacy, Bilateral Ties
