- Japan decided to award Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong highest honour.
- Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun would be conferred.
- Recognition highlights strong Singapore-Japan relations.
Singapore’s Senior Minister will receive Japan’s highest honour, marking almost 6 decades of diplomatic ties and strengthening bilateral relations.
Announcement: Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun
Japan made a significant announcement regarding Singapore’s Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
The Japanese government decided to confer the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun on Senior Minister Lee.
It features rays of sunlight radiating from the rising sun, with attachments shaped like paulownia flowers and leaves.
This prestigious award recognises Senior Minister Lee’s contributions to Singapore-Japan relations.
MFA Spokesperson’s Comments
In response to media queries, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Spokesperson shared Singapore’s appreciation for Japan’s decision.
According to MFA, the Spokesperson stated, “Singapore deeply appreciates the Japanese government’s decision to confer the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun on Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong.”
This statement underscores the significance of the award for both nations.
Relationship Between Singapore and Japan
The award highlights the strong ties between Singapore and Japan.
As quoted in MFA’s statement, “Singapore and Japan enjoy a close and longstanding relationship, marked by strong political and economic ties, and multifaceted cooperation.”
This relationship spans various sectors and has been cultivated over many years.
The year 2026 will mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Japan.
The Order of the Rising Sun
The Order of the Rising Sun is a prestigious Japanese award with a long history.
Established in 1875, this order recognises individuals who have made distinguished contributions to Japan and its people.
The Grand Cordon is the highest rank of this award, making it a significant honour for Senior Minister Lee.
Previous Recipients of the Award
Senior Minister Lee joins a distinguished list of Singaporean recipients of this prestigious award.
- Former Prime Minister Mr. Lee Kuan Yew (1967)
- Former Ambassador to Japan Mr. Lim Chin Beng (2004)
- Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong (2011)
- Former Deputy Prime Minister Professor S Jayakumar (2012)
This list of recipients reflects the enduring friendship between Singapore and Japan.
The conferment of this award on Senior Minister Lee further strengthens diplomatic ties between the two nations.
This recognition comes at a time when international cooperation is increasingly important.
Do you think such international honours play a crucial role in strengthening bilateral relations between countries?
