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TOKYO : Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong hopes to see Japan make a fuller contribution to Asia's prosperity and stability.
He has also suggested ways of improving bilateral relations between Singapore and Japan, which include a joint television programme.
Mr Lee was speaking after the signing of the revised Japan-Singapore Economic Partnership Agreement with his counterpart Shinzo Abe in Tokyo on Monday.
At the meeting with the Japanese premier, Prime Minister Lee said one way to boost bilateral relations between Singapore and Japan was to co-produce a Japanese cultural programme for television.
This programme can then be broadcast throughout Southeast Asia.
Mr Lee also suggested that Singapore and Japan cooperate in interactive and digital media.
Both countries' officials are expected to follow up on these ideas.
On Japan's proposal for a "Comprehensive Economic Partnership" in East Asia, Mr Lee called for a feasibility study to be done.
He said this would help to examine the merits of the proposal.
PM Lee said, "Against the backdrop of an Asia, which is rising, of China and India who are prospering, of America continuing to play an active and constructive role in Asia, politically, economically as well as militarily, we look forward to Japan taking its rightful place and making a full contribution to Asia's prosperity and stability."
PM Abe commented, "Today's meeting serves as a good opportunity to reconfirm that the two countries will further develop the already excellent bilateral relationship and will cooperate even more closely in the future to tackle regional and intellectual issues."
Mr Lee said Singapore and Japan shared a sound relationship because both have what he called a "basic strategic convergence in views".
He added that this relationship had been established for over 40 years and had gone from strength to strength.
The Prime Minister hopes to develop this even further. - CNA/ms
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