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SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his Japanese counterpart Yoshihide Suga reaffirmed the “excellent relations” between the two countries in a phone call on Thursday (October 29), the Foreign Ministry (MFA) said in a press release.
During their talk, both leaders welcomed the launch of the Singapore-Japan trade route, or reciprocal greenway, and the residential route last month.
The reciprocal green lane, launched on September 18, aims to facilitate essential commercial and official travel between the two countries. The residency travel plan, which opened for applications on September 30, is for business executives and professionals who have work passes.
READ: Singapore and Japan to launch ‘green lane’ for business, official travel on September 18
READ: COVID-19: Singapore, Japan Launches ‘Residence Track’ for Business Travelers Who Are Work Pass Holders
Lee said in the phone call that he looked forward to working with Suga to “deepen bilateral cooperation, including through new areas such as promoting ‘vaccine multilateralism’ and collaboration in digital trade,” MFA said.
The leaders also exchanged views on how to address the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as regional developments, including the importance of further economic integration through the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
READ: Suga from Japan elected as the country’s first new prime minister in 8 years
Lee also congratulated Suga on his appointment as Japan’s 99th prime minister during their phone conversation. He had previously congratulated Mr. Suga on his appointment in September.
Suga became Japan’s first new leader in nearly eight years, after his predecessor Shinzo Abe resigned due to health problems. Suga had served under Abe’s leadership as Chief Cabinet Secretary.
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