ASEAN and Japan’s senior officials participating in the 33rd ASEAN-Japan Forum in Tokyo last week reaffirmed the importance of the ASEAN-Japan Strategic Partnership and renewed the commitment to further strengthen their close ties. The officials also discussed regional and international issues of common interest and concern and agreed to work together to address emerging challenges and promote peace and stability.

A large number of projects and activities have also been implemented under the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF) to foster closer cultural ties and people-to-people contacts.