Singapore and Japan celebrated last year the 40th Anniversary of their diplomatic relations and Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress graciously visited Singapore in commemoration of this happy occasion. Their Majesties’ visit to Singapore is testament to the mature partnership between the two countries.

Building upon this partnership, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong visited Japan this March, and there was the signing of the Protocol amending the 5-year-old bilateral Economic Partnership Agreement (JSEPA). This Protocol took effect in September, and it will further enhance the economic ties between Singapore and Japan.

It is just two weeks ago that Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda came to Singapore. Thanks to the hospitality and leadership of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Mr Fukuda’s first visit to Asia as Prime Minister of Japan proved very successful. As Mr Fukuda attaches great importance to Japan’s relations with Asia, he is fully satisfied with the outcome of the ASEAN-related Summit Meetings and his meetings with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, and the leaders of China, India, Korea, and the other ASEAN countries. The signing of the ASEAN Charter was certainly a historic event. The successful conclusion of the negotiations for the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (AJCEP) is a significant step for deepening Japan-ASEAN economic relations. Furthermore, the Singapore Declaration on Climate Change, Energy and Environment at the East Asia Summit adds momentum to international efforts in tackling the issue of climate change. This declaration has paved the way for the Bali Conference which was started since yesterday, for G8 Summit in Toyako, Hokkaido in July next year and ultimately for the Post-Kyoto Protocol Regime after 2013.

I am happy to note, therefore, that the partnership between Singapore and Japan is now so solid and mature that the scope of cooperation is not confined to our bilateral front, but it covers the regional and global arena. This reflects the common aspiration and efforts on the par of governments and peoples of the two countries based on such shared values as democracy, market economy, sustainable development, and human dignity.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

On this auspicious occasion, there is a special treat for you this evening. Look at the left side of this stage. There is a table, named “WASHOKU – TRY JAPAN’S GOOD FOOD.” At this table, you can taste Japanese fruits and green tea. The fruits are apples (Yamagata), mandarin oranges (Kumamoto), strawberries (Fukuoka), melons (Shizuoka) and persimmons (Fukuoka) from various parts of Japan. The Japanese green tea from Shizuoka is also served. And what’s more, you can try special rice directly from Uonuma, Niigata, when you have sushi at the counter over there. They are all high-quality produce from Japan. I hope you enjoy these samples of Japanese produce and Japan’s food culture.

With this note, Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen,I have the honour to propose a toast to His Excellency the President of the Republic of Singapore.