PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE TIES
Beyond economics and security, Mr Lee emphasised that the strength of the bilateral relationship rests on the people-to-people connections. Nearly 700,000 Singapore residents visited Japan last year, while close to 600,000 Japanese travelled to Singapore. More than 30,000 Japanese live in Singapore, while about 3,000 Singaporeans reside in Japan.
“Our youth are also forging ties in the next generation, with flourishing exchange programmes and research partnerships, and the continued interest in studying Japanese language and culture among Singaporean young people,” said Mr Lee.
“These deep connections build trust and mutual understanding that will put our relations on a firm basis for many years to come.”
Marking Singapore’s 60th National Day at the Expo, where the 17 metre-tall “The Dream Sphere” pavilion has already drawn 1.5 million visitors, including members of the Japanese Imperial family, Mr Lee described the occasion as a celebration not just of nationhood, but of international friendship.
“Today, we are celebrating both Singapore’s 60th birthday as well as the enduring friendship between Singapore and Japan,” he said.
“This friendship stands as a testament to what countries can achieve when they work together with mutual respect and shared purpose.”
