Kono, Singapore Minister Agree to Boost Japan-ASEAN Ties

Singapore, Aug. 5 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono and his Singapore counterpart, Vivian Balakrishnan, agreed Sunday to strengthen relations between Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. At a meeting in Singapore, Kono expressed gratitude to Balakrishnan for the leadership of Singapore, which serves as chair of ASEAN this year. The two ministers also exchanged views on North Korean issues, the situation in the South China Sea and the promotion of free trade. With the meeting with Balakrishnan, Kono wrapped up his visit to Singapore for a series of ASEAN-related ministerial conferences. END