Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda held a meeting with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of the Republic of Singapore in Vladivostok, the Russian Federation, on September 8 for about 30 minutes from 10 a.m. (local time) on the occasion of the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting. The following is an overview of the bilateral meeting:

1. General overview
   At the outset, Prime Minister Noda said Singapore, sharing fundamental benefits and thoughts with Japan regarding regional stability and prosperity, was an important partner for Japan. The two leaders shared the perception that both sides would seek closer bilateral cooperation for regional stability and prosperity, not just for stronger bilateral relations.
   
   
2. Bilateral relations
   Referring to the bilateral relationship, Prime Minister Noda noted the importance of Singapore's role as an economic hub in the region and said many Japanese companies had their regional headquarters in Singapore. Both leaders shared the recognition that the two sides would deepen cooperation among private companies in both countries in connection with growing demand for infrastructure projects especially in ASEAN countries and India, and further promote bilateral cooperation in the economic area.
   
   
3. Regional cooperation
   Both prime ministers confirmed that Japan and Singapore would cooperate with each other to obtain good achievements at ASEAN-related summit meetings in Phnom Penh in November. On issues surrounding the South China Sea, the two leaders shared the view that these were of concern for the entire international community and concurred on the importance of observing related international laws, including the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They also shared the recognition that the two countries would help strengthen the Japan-ASEAN partnership in the medium- to long-term through events marking the 40th anniversary of Japan-ASEAN exchanges next year.
   
   
4. Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in East Asia
   Both leaders shared the perception that the two countries would cooperate with each other in launching the negotiations for Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in East Asia in November and Prime Minister Lee expressed expectations that RCEP would help promote regional integration and free trade.