Monday, May 11, 2009

The Prime Minister Pays a Courtesy Call on His Excellency S R Nathan, President of the Republic of Singapore

Prime Minister Taro Aso paid a courtesy call on S R Nathan, President of the Republic of Singapore, who was on a State Visit to Japan, at the State Guest House.

In the morning, a welcome ceremony was held at the Imperial Palace for President S R Nathan, attended by Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, Their Imperial Highnesses the Crown Prince and Crown Princess, and other members of the Japanese Imperial family.

The courtesy call was paid in an amicable atmosphere. Prime Minister Aso expressed his sincere delight at welcoming President S R Nathan, who has profound knowledge on Japan, as a State Guest to Japan, and declared that this State Visit would serve as a historic opportunity for further strengthening the relationship of trust between the two countries.

In response, President S R Nathan expressed his deep gratitude for Japan's invitation for the State Visit. He conveyed his high regard for Japan's contribution in the Southeast Asian region since the 1960-70s through such means as improving technology and productivity and developing human capacities, and stated his further expectation for Japan's role.

Related Link

• Japan-Singapore Relations (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)