After completing his visit to Africa, Prime Minister Kishida stopped in Singapore on his way back to Japan and held talks with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. In response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and other factors, the two leaders shared the view to cooperate toward maintaining and strengthening the international order based on the rule of law.
Ahead of this month's G7 Hiroshima Summit, Prime Minister Kishida, who was on his way back to Japan after visiting four African countries from March 29, held talks with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong for more than one hour over lunch at Singapore's Changi Airport, where he stopped to refuel.
At the meeting, in light of the trend of China and other countries that are strengthening their maritime advances, Prime Minister Kishida explained the new promotion plan for a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" that he announced earlier.
They exchanged views on Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the situation in the East and South China Seas, and shared the view that they would continue to cooperate toward maintaining and strengthening the international order based on the rule of law.
In addition, bearing in mind that this year marks the 50th anniversary of friendly cooperation between Japan and ASEAN, the two leaders confirmed that they will work together toward the Special Summit Meeting, which will be held in December by inviting the leaders of each country to the Japan.
After the meeting, Prime Minister Kishida departed Singapore on a government plane for the Japan around 12 p.m.