Emeritus Senior Minister (ESM) Goh Chok Tong called on Japan's Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Taro Aso on Thursday.

They reaffirmed the longstanding ties and excellent relations between Singapore and Japan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

ESM Goh and Mr Aso discussed Japan's economic challenges and the Japanese government's plans to revitalise its economy.

They also discussed regional developments in North-east Asia, and agreed that a stable and prosperous North-east Asia would benefit South-east Asia and the world.

ESM Goh is on a working visit to Japan to meet the heads of Japanese financial institutions and other top Japanese business leaders as Senior Advisor to the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). He met Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Wednesday.