PM Lee meets Japan, Laos PMs at ASEAN summit

By Channel NewsAsia, Updated: 18/11/2011

PM Lee meets Japan, Laos PMs at ASEAN summit

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (2nd L), his wife Ho Ching (L), Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (2nd R) and his wife Kristiani Yudhoyono (R) (AFP PHOTO/Jim WATSON)

BALI, Indonesia: Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong held bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit on Friday.

In his meeting with new Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, both sides reaffirmed the strong bilateral relations.

Mr Lee expressed support for Japan?s intention to participate in the Trans?Pacific Partnership, and acknowledged Japan?s contributions to the region. They also discussed the issue of maritime security and agreed on the need for international law and UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) to be adhered to.

PM Lee also met with the Prime Minister of Laos, Thongsing Thammavong.

The leaders reaffirmed the warm ties, and expressed confidence in further strengthening bilateral cooperation.

This evening, Mr Lee and his wife, Ho Ching attended the gala dinner hosted by the Indonesian President and his wife. And the leaders? attire for the dinner ? traditional Indonesian batik.

Singapore?s Foreign Ministry also gave details of Mr Lee?s discussions at the various ASEAN meetings on Friday.

The ASEAN?China Summit adopted a Joint Statement outlining key areas for the deepening and enhancing of mutual cooperation.

During the 14th ASEAN?Japan Summit, the leaders adopted the Joint Declaration for Enhancing ASEAN?Japan Strategic Partnership for Prospering Together and its Plan of Action for 2011 to 2015, which maps out cooperative initiatives between ASEAN and Japan over the next few years.

On the sidelines of the 14th ASEAN?Korea Summit, ASEAN and Korea concluded the Agreement between ASEAN and the ROK on Forest Cooperation (AFoCo), which was signed by the various foreign ministers.

During the 3rd ASEAN?US Leaders? Meeting, the leaders adopted the Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN?US Enhanced Partnership for Enduring Peace and Prosperity for 2011 to 2015.

Prime Minister Lee also announced that Singapore is working with the US on initiatives to encourage US?ASEAN private sector involvement in the ASEAN Connectivity Initiative, and a technical assistance programme for ASEAN.

?CNA/ac

Source: http://c.moreover.com/click/here.pl?r5492725788

new orleans saints world series game 4 world series game 4 indianapolis colts colts colts turkey