Lee Hsien Loong reaffirms bilateral relations at G20 summit, also does Glico man pose with Ho Ching

Osaka, Japan – On June 30 (Sunday), Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong concluded his four-day trip to Osaka, Japan for the G20 summit.

The prime minister went on Facebook to give everyone an update on how the meetings went.

On June 27, a day before the G20 summit, he met with Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and thanked him for inviting Singapore to represent the Global Governance Group which PM Lee believes will “strengthen engagement between G20 and the wider United Nations membership.”

He also reiterated the “excellent relations and strong economic ties” that Singapore and Japan share.

Read related: PM Lee: Japan and Singapore share excellent relations and strong economic ties

The following day, PM Lee mentioned their gracious welcome to the country by Mss Yui Yamada in a beautifully crafted kimono showcasing iconic sights and symbols of Singapore.

For his speech at the plenary session, PM Lee addressed the increasing worry many leaders had on the threats to free trade and open economies stemming from the ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions.

“At the plenary session, I spoke about the need to improve our multilateral trading system. We should work together to strengthen our global trading system’s foundations, develop new rules for the digital economy, and prepare our people and businesses to participate fully in the global economy,” wrote PM Lee.

On June 30, the last day of the G20 summit, PM Lee noted how the countries “agreed on a joint communique.” He also shared his concern on the lack of “significant progress” in tackling the difficult problems the countries face.

“While this was a positive outcome, it did not reflect significant progress tackling the difficult problems before us. I hope the discussions have allowed us to at least better understand one another, so that we can work towards a broader consensus in the future,” he said.

On a brighter note, PM Lee mentioned his relief that the U.S. and China have resumed their trade talks. “I hope both countries will reach a deeper understanding and accommodation of each other’s positions,” said the prime minister.

“In this period of global economic uncertainty, Singapore must continue to work with like-minded countries to promote free and fair trade, and collaborate in new areas,” he added.

U.S.-China meeting

To focus on the rekindled trade talks between the world’s two superpowers, U.S. President Donald Trump tweeted on his pleasant surprise with how the meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping went.

He gave detail on the minutes of the meeting which included not increasing existing trade tariffs on China, China’s purchase of agricultural products from U.S. farmers, and allowing Huawei to buy products from U.S. tech companies.

“We have opened up negotiations again with China as our relationship with them continues to be a very good one,” tweeted the U.S. president.

Read related: ‘Back on track’: Trump, Xi seal trade war truce

To end his Japan trip, Prime Minister Lee stayed true to tourist traditions and strolled Osaka to enjoy the food and culture.

He also posted pictures of him with other Singaporeans touring the country.

And lastly, PM Lee shared a photo of him with his wife, Mrs Ho Ching, doing the famous Glico man pose. “We found the Glico man and had a bit of fun!” said PM Lee. -/TISG