The special summit meeting between Japan and ASEAN = Association of Southeast Asian Nations is expected to hold full-scale discussions from the 17th, where the leaders of each country will exchange opinions on themes such as the economy and security, and summarize the results in a joint statement.
The Special Summit between Japan and ASEAN kicked off on the evening of the 16th with the participation of the heads of state of state and government at the State Guest House in Minato-ku, Tokyo.
In this context, Prime Minister Kishida stated, "In an era of complex crises that are difficult for a single country to resolve, we want to bring together our strengths to create a strong economy that generates further vitality and grow together," and expressed his intention to strengthen cooperation in a wide range of fields, including the economy and security.
The summit meeting is expected to be held in earnest at a hotel in Tokyo from the 1th, where the leaders of each country will exchange views on topics such as the economy, security, and people-to-people exchanges, and the results will be summarized in a joint statement.
As the regional situation becomes increasingly severe, such as China's strengthening of maritime expansion, Prime Minister Kishida intends to strengthen cooperation with ASEAN based on the relationship that has been built up between the two countries, which will lead to peace and stability in the region.
Prime Minister Kishida will also hold individual summit meetings on June 17 and on October 16 to strengthen bilateral relations.
Indonesian Foreign Minister "Cooperation with Japan on both economic and security issues"
Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno, who chairs ASEAN = Association of Southeast Asian Nations and is visiting Japan on the sidelines of the Special Summit, emphasized in an interview with NHK and other media on the 16th that "Japan is one of the most important partners for both Indonesia and ASEAN."
Regarding Japan's emphasis on cooperation in the field of security at this summit, Foreign Minister Retno stated, "Without peace, economic cooperation and prosperity cannot be achieved, and the economy and security are related," and expressed his intention to promote cooperation in both the economic and security sectors.
He pointed out that "it is important to put into practice what has been agreed upon in writing as concrete cooperation and to bring benefits to both sides."