2008 New Year Message from Ambassador Yamanaka

  

A very happy New Year to all of you !

This is my first New Year in Singapore upon arriving here in October 2007.

The year 2006 marked the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Singapore. Over the past 40 years, both our countries have deepened cooperation in the areas of economy, politics, social affairs and culture and have worked closely on issues pertinent to Asia as well as to the international community. Following Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s official visit to Japan in March 2007, Prime Minister Fukuda embarked on his first visit to Singapore in November, his first to an Asian country since his appointment as the Prime Minister of Japan. Mr. Fukuda’s visit bear testament to his rigorous diplomatic efforts to propel relations with Asian countries. The mutual visits were instrumental to the conclusion of a protocol amending the Japan-Singapore New-Age Economic Partnership Agreement (September) and that for the negotiations for the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (November).

The adoption of Singapore’s Declaration on Climate Change, Energy and the Environment at the East Asia Summit was an important step that made possible the harmonious international cooperation at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Bali. On its part, Japan will also strive towards the achievement of a “Sustainable Society” through the forthcoming G8 Summit to be held in Hokkaido’s Lake Toya in July 2008.

In the light of the above, we could hope to witness further economic integration in East Asia as well as enhanced cooperative efforts in addressing global environmental issues. The Embassy reaffirms its full commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations between Japan and Singapore. In the course of doing so, we would appreciate your valuable support and cooperation.

Finally, I would like to wish all of you the best of health and prosperity in the New Year.


Makoto Yamanaka
Ambassador of Japan to Singapore