Strengthening Regional Partnerships: Highlights from the 26th ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
On 10 July 2025, the 26th ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, reaffirming the importance of ASEAN’s central role in regional cooperation. The meeting brought together ASEAN member states along with Japan, China, and the Republic of Korea to discuss shared priorities under the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). The discussions emphasized inclusive and practical collaboration in areas such as trade, digital transformation, energy security, and climate resilience.
Japan’s Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi reiterated Japan’s strong support for ASEAN-led initiatives and highlighted Japan’s commitment to enhancing regional stability and prosperity. A key point of Japan’s contribution was the continued support through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF), which has been instrumental in implementing projects that support ASEAN’s community-building efforts. These include initiatives in disaster management, connectivity, and capacity-building.
Japan’s active engagement and strategic contributions underscore its role as a reliable partner in the ASEAN Plus Three framework, reinforcing shared values and long-term regional goals.
