ASEAN and Japan Reaffirm Commitment to Take Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Forward

25 June 2024 -

Senior Officials of ASEAN and Japan attending the 39th ASEAN-Japan Forum in Bangkok reaffirmed their commitment to further advance the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) based on mutual trust, mutual respect, mutual benefit, win-win cooperation, and equal partnership.

The Meeting welcomed the continued momentum of strengthening ASEAN-Japan cooperation following the successful convening of the Commemorative Summit on the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation held in Tokyo in December 2023.

Both sides took stock of progress in ASEAN-Japan cooperation, particularly the implementation of the Joint Vision Statement on ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation Trusted Partners and its Implementation Plan adopted at the said Commemorative Summit. The two sides agreed to continue working closely in carrying out the Implementation Plan of the Joint Vision Statement.

Both sides further agreed to continue strengthening cooperation under the three pillars of the CSP, namely Heart-to-Heart Partners across Generation, Partners for Co-creation of Economy and Society of the Future, and Partners for Peace and Stability.

ASEAN welcomed projects and activities to follow up on initiatives announced by Japan at the Commemorative Summit such as the ASEAN-Japan Co-Creation Initiative for the Next-Generation Automotive Industry, the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC), the ASEAN-Japan MIDORI Cooperation Plan, the WA Project 2.0, and the financial contribution to the ASEAN Junior Fellowship Programme and the assistance to Timor-Leste.

ASEAN welcomed Japan’s continuous support for ASEAN Centrality and ASEAN Community building efforts. ASEAN also welcomed Japan’s commitment and support for the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), including through the conduct of concrete projects and activities to promote practical cooperation in the key areas of the AOIP with a view to contributing to the advancement of the CSP in an open, transparent, and inclusive manner.

Both sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest and concern. They agreed to enhance collaboration in addressing emerging challenges and promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. The 39th ASEAN-Japan Forum was co-chaired by Permanent Secretary of the Foreign Ministry of Thailand, Eksiri Pintaruchi, and Senior Deputy Foreign Minister of Japan, Funakoshi Takehiro, and attended by Senior Officials of ASEAN Member States and the Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Political-Security Community, and their respective delegations. Timor-Leste attended as Observer.

The Contribution to the ASEAN Fellowship Fund (AFF) project was supported by the Government of Japan through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF).