Karuizawa, March 5 (AseanAll) — Senior Officials of ASEAN and Japan attending the 40th ASEAN-Japan Forum in Karuizawa reaffirmed their commitment to further advancing the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) based on mutual trust and respect, mutual benefit and equal partnership.
The meeting welcomed the continued momentum of strengthening ASEAN-Japan relations, following the successful convening of the 27th ASEAN-Japan Summit in October 2024 as well as the Commemorative Summit on the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation in December 2023 in Tokyo.
Both sides reviewed ASEAN-Japan cooperation, acknowledging the significant progress made in implementing the Joint Vision Statement on ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation: Trusted Partners and its corresponding Implementation Plan. They reaffirmed their commitment to working closely in carrying out the Implementation Plan to further enhance collaboration in various sectors.
Discussions also emphasised 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. Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation on traditional and emerging areas, including combating transnational crime, cyber security, digitalisation, green transition, science and technology, sustainable development and climate action.
Japan reaffirmed its strong support for ASEAN Centrality and ASEAN Community-building efforts. ASEAN welcomed Japan’s commitment to supporting the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) through concrete projects and activities, aimed at fostering 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. ASEAN also welcomed Japan’s proposal for a Joint Statement on the further promotion and implementation of the AOIP, for adoption at the 28th ASEAN-Japan Summit this year.
Both sides shared their respective views on regional and international issues of mutual interest and agreed to enhance collaboration in addressing emerging challenges, with a view to promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the region.
The 40th ASEAN-Japan Forum was co-chaired by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore, Albert Chua, and Senior Deputy Foreign Minister of Japan, Namazu Hiroyuki, and attended by Senior Officials of ASEAN Member States or their Representatives, and the Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Political-Security Community. Timor-Leste attended as Observer.
