ASEAN, Japan to Foster Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

10 June 2024 -

The 18th ASEAN-Japan Joint Cooperation Committee Meeting took place on 10 June 2024 reaffirming both sides’ commitment to strengthen cooperation under the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP).

The meeting received the successful convening of the Commemorative Summit on the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation held in Tokyo in December 2023, including the adoption of the Joint Vision Statement and its Implementation Plan, affirming the shared commitment to advance the ASEAN-Japan CSP, which is substantive, meaningful, and mutually beneficial.

Good progress made in following up to the outcomes of the Commemorative Summit was noted in the meeting, including through the conduct of activities and projects under the Implementation Plan of the Joint Vision Statement. Japan also provided updates on its initiatives announced at the Commemorative Summit as well as activities to carry out the Implementation Plan.

Both sides exchanged views on developments in ASEAN and Japan and relevant regional issues. ASEAN welcomed Japan’s continued support for ASEAN Community building efforts and integration as well as ASEAN Centrality and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). The Meeting encouraged more cooperation projects and activities under the AOIP, particularly through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund 3.0, to which Japan contributed US$ 102.783 million.

Both sides agreed to continue advancing cooperation under the three pillars of the CSP, namely Heart-to-Heart Partners across generations, Partners for Co-creation of Economy and Society of the Future, and Partners for Peace and Stability. They also highlighted the need to explore and enhance cooperation in new areas such as digital transformation, innovation and clean energy, aiming to foster a resilient and dynamic ASEAN-Japan partnership. The meeting was co-chaired by the Permanent Representative of Thailand to ASEAN, Phantipha Iamsudha Ekarohit and Ambassador of Japan to ASEAN, KIYA Masahiko, and attended by Permanent Representatives of ASEAN Member States or their representatives, and the Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Political-Security Community and their delegations.