Japan, Singapore to Stand Firm against North Korea

The leaders of Japan and Singapore said they will take a firm stance against North Korea, which has been conducting nuclear and ballistic missile tests.

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met his Singaporean counterpart, Lee Hsien Loong, in Tokyo. They agreed on a tough approach to North Korean issues, including strict implementation of UN Security Council resolutions. The council has condemned Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs and urged member nations to enforce sanctions against the North, Japan's broadcaster (NHK World) reported. 

The leaders also reaffirmed the importance of the rule of law, as well as international coordination, over the issue of the South China Sea. China has been constructing airstrips and radar facilities on artificial islands it built.

The prime ministers also discussed plans for a high-speed railway between Singapore and the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur. Abe expressed hope that Japan's Shinkansen system will be adopted for the project as a symbol of cooperation between Japan and Singapore.

Abe and Lee agreed to hold a meeting of senior government officials to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in transport and infrastructure. They also agreed to work together to have the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade deal take effect quickly. 

The Singaporean prime minister is visiting Japan to receive a posthumous honor for his father, former prime minister Lee Kwan Yew, who died last year. Prime Minister Abe handed the decoration to Lee. 

Source : QNA