SM Lee receives top Japan govt award, same as Lee Kuan Yew, for 'significant contributions' to S'pore-Japan relations

Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong was presented the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun award by Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru on Aug. 25.

The Order of the Rising Sun was established in 1875 to recognise individuals who have made distinguished contributions to the Japanese nation.

The Grand Cordon is the highest rank of this award.

Both Former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and former PM and current Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong were previous recipients of the award in 1967 and 2011 respectively.

Singapore's close partnership with Japan

In his acceptance speech, SM Lee expressed his gratitude to Ishiba and the people of Japan, while also reiterating the strong ties between Singapore and Japan.

"We enjoy a close and multi-faceted partnership anchored by strong economic ties and people-to-people relations," SM Lee shared.

He acknowledged that not only has the relationship between the two countries been built upon "compatible strategic perspectives and shared interests", but is also the result of "sustained hard work by generations of leaders from both countries."

Japan and Singapore will be celebrating 60 years of diplomatic ties next year.

Japan is a "steadfast friend and partner"

SM Lee also added that "Japan has been a steadfast friend and partner to Singapore and to the region".

He expressed hope that the partnership between the two countries will continue to be strengthened. and that they can work together to foster peace and prosperity in the region.

"Singapore is, and will always be, a trusted and reliable partner for Japan in this joint endeavour," SM Lee affirmed.

SM Lee is currently on a working visit to Osaka and Tokyo, Japan.

His trip began on Aug. 21, and is expected to end on Aug. 27.

Top photo via MDDI