SM Lee Hsien Loong at the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun Conferment Ceremony (Aug 2025)

Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen

I thank Prime Minister Ishiba for his kind words, and I thank the people of Japan, for this tremendous honour. I am deeply humbled to receive this award. I do so on behalf of generations of Singaporeans who have worked hard with their Japanese counterparts to strengthen our bilateral partnership over many decades.

The Singapore-Japan relationship has developed immensely over the years. Next year, we will commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations. We enjoy a close and multi-faceted partnership anchored by strong economic ties and people-to-people relations.

Our close partnership builds upon compatible strategic perspectives and shared interests. It is also the fruit of sustained hard work by generations of leaders from both countries. They have carefully nurtured this relationship over the years. They have looked forward, put a difficult history behind us, and resolved to cooperate based on our mutual interests. Long may this continue.

Japan has been a steadfast friend and partner to Singapore and to the region. With the world entering uncharted waters, it is more important than ever for us to strengthen this enduring partnership, and work together to foster regional peace and prosperity and a rules-based multilateral order. Singapore is, and will always be, a trusted and reliable partner for Japan in this joint endeavour.

Thank you once again for this great honour.

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