ASEAN, Japan forge stronger ties

ASEAN and Japan have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation and pursue the goals outlined in the “Joint Vision Statement on ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation: Trusted Partners”.

Asean leaders and the prime ministers of Japan and Timor-Leste link hands in a show of unity.

The consensus on closer cooperation came at the 27th ASEAN-Japan Summit, held in Vientiane on Thursday and chaired by Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone.
The summit was attended by ASEAN leaders, Japan’s Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, and Timor-Leste’s Prime Minister, who attended as an observer.
The summit underscored Japan’s critical role in ASEAN’s community-building process, particularly through initiatives supported by the ASEAN-Japan Integration Fund.
Talks focused on strengthening collaboration in key areas, including economic affairs, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, cultural exchanges, and sustainable development.
The summit also reviewed ASEAN-Japan cooperation over past years and set the future direction aimed at implementing the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to ensure mutual benefits for the peoples of ASEAN, Japan, and beyond.
Both sides expressed their appreciation for the ASEAN-Japan dialogue relations, which have flourished for more than five decades, encompassing cooperation in political-security, economic, and socio-cultural areas.
The meeting praised the successful conclusion of the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation held in 2023.
As one of ASEAN’s longest-standing and most trusted partners, Japan first established dialogue relations with ASEAN in 1973. Over the years, the relationship has grown stronger, evolving from a Strategic Partnership in 2011 to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2023.
This year’s summit further cements the relationship as a cornerstone of regional stability and prosperity.

ByTimes Reporters
 (Latest Update October 11, 2024)