The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement and the East Sea issue were key topics discussed during a meeting between Japanese Prime Minister (PM) Shinzo Abe and his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong in Tokyo on September 28.

Two leaders at a joint news conference in Tokyo on September 28 (Photo: The Japan Times)

They agreed on cooperation to soon bring the TPP into effect.

Addressing a joint press conference following the meeting, Lee Hsien Loong emphasised the importance of Japan as the second-largest economy participating in the deal, following the US.

PM Abe believed that the Japanese Diet will ratify the TPP in its special session, which is scheduled to finish on November 11.

Regarding the East Sea issue, the two PMs agreed on the importance of law and international collaboration in addressing the matter.

The Singaporean leader reaffirmed the significance of freedom of navigation and overflight as well as similar principles.

In addition, both leaders also agreed to have firm responses to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s efforts in nuclear and ballistic missile development.

They witnessed the exchange of bilateral memoranda of understanding in trade and investment, urban and transport development.

(Source: VNA)