2010 New Year Message from Ambassador Yamanaka

  

A very happy New Year to you!

While the world, including Japan and Singapore, suffered an economic recession in 2009, Japan-Singapore relations enjoyed a boost from frequent high-level visits. President Nathan paid a State Visit in May, and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong visited Japan shortly after its change of government. Prime Minister Hatoyama visited Singapore in November to attend the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting, and joined Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in officiating the opening of the Japan Creative Centre (JCC), which is a new type of culture and information centre that showcases Japan’s “soft power.” Prime Minister Hatoyama also delivered an address which highlighted his administration’s emphasis on Asia during his stay in Singapore. It is very delightful to see these developments as testaments of the mature bilateral relationship between the two countries. It is also encouraging that the economy is gradually recovering, especially in Asia.

Our goal in the year 2010 is to further foster our bilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of technology and education where both Prime Ministers confirmed their parallel interests, in order to consolidate the new growth strategy and to elevate the bilateral relationship to a higher level. Japan Creative Centre and other channels are part of the avenues with which to achieve that goal, and I would like to request your understanding and support.

Last but not least, I wish you good health and further success in the year 2010.


Makoto Yamanaka
Ambassador of Japan to Singapore