Dec 18, 2023 (NHK) - Leaders of Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have agreed to promote mutual security cooperation, apparently with China's increasing maritime activities in mind.
The leaders met on Sunday, on the second day of the special three-day summit in Tokyo to mark 50 years of friendship between Japan and the block. They discussed a wide range of topics.
The leaders agreed to advance their security cooperation, including maritime security cooperation, in such areas as the provision of defense equipment and joint drills.
They also confirmed that they will work together toward nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, cybersecurity, as well as on strengthening supply chains and other items in the field of economic security.
To further promote person-to-person exchanges, Japan and ASEAN agreed to launch a "Partnership to Co-create a Future with the Next Generation" program, which will involve more than 10 million people over the next decade.
They will also work to encourage the public and private sectors to invest a total of 35 billion dollars over the next five years toward decarbonizing the ASEAN region, strengthening infrastructure connectivity, and supporting start-ups.
The leaders issued a joint statement and an implementation plan on Sunday.
Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio told reporters after the meeting that the world is facing multiple crises amid deepening division and confrontation.
He said Japan stands with ASEAN, which is a key player in a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Kishida added that his country will tackle new challenges based on the strong mutual trust between Japan and ASEAN, contribute to peace and stability in the region, and create a world where human dignity is protected.
Source: ANNnewsCH
