Tokyo, (FN) Nov. 13 – In anticipation of the forthcoming Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation, the Japanese Foreign Ministry hosted an online press briefing on 7 November 2023 featuring two presentations from distinguished officials.
During the first presentation, Principal Deputy Director of the Regional Policy Division at the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Yazawa Hideki highlighted the remarkable history of ASEAN-Japan relationships based on “heart to heart”. Drawing attention to the 50 years of continuous friendship and cooperative efforts, Yazawa Hideki emphasized the substantial progress made in the partnership of ASEAN and Japan starting from the Fukuda Doctrine, leading to a strategic partnership and further developing into a comprehensive partnership.
Yazawa Hideki further highlighted the significance of ASEAN-Japan cooperation in contributing to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. Japan is the first among other ASEAN’S dialogue partners to have issued a Joint Statement on ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). He underlined Japan's longstanding commitment to supporting the socio-economic development of ASEAN member states. Japan has been actively engaged in promoting infrastructure development, capacity-building initiatives, and people-to-people exchanges to foster mutual understanding and cooperation.
The Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation is set to be held on 16-18 December 2023 in Tokyo which will provide a platform to further promote exchange and strengthen relations between Japan and ASEAN, founded on the “heart to hear” relationship built on mutual trust fostered over the years, and adopting a joint statement statement and its implementation plan.
In the second presentation, Director for Japan at ASJA International Ogawa Gotaro focused on the topic of Partners to promote "Heart to Heart '' relations between ASEAN nations and Japan. He emphasized the significance of building strong interpersonal relationships and understanding among the peoples of ASEAN and Japan as a foundation for furthering cooperation in various sectors.
Ogawa Gotaro discussed the various initiatives being undertaken to promote cultural exchanges, youth engagement programs, and tourism between ASEAN and Japan. ASJA International has been actively involved in organizing the government scholarship for each of ASEAN countries, events, workshops, and educational programs to enhance people-to-people relationships and to deepen mutual appreciation of each other's cultural diversity.
"There is a very warm personal ties among ASEAN students and Japanese people which is a ‘Hear to Heart’ connection in fostering friendship, trust and mutual respect," Ogawa Gotaro emphasized. He stressed the importance of continued efforts to promote cultural understanding, strengthen educational ties, and facilitate exchanges between youth, academics, and professionals from both regions.
It should be noted that Cambodia and Japan first established official diplomatic relations in 1953, and in 2023, both countries have upgraded bilateral relations to comprehensive strategic partnership. Under the good relations and cooperation, Cambodia and Japan have established a lot of political cooperation with each other. Cambodia has supported a number of Japanese policies including active contribution to peace and dialogue.
The ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation represents a crucial partnership between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Japan, fostering diplomatic, economic, and socio-cultural ties. This relationship has evolved over the years, contributing significantly to regional stability, development, and prosperity. The cooperation is anchored in shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to regional stability and development. This partnership exemplifies the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing common challenges and building a resilient and prosperous future for the ASEAN region and Japan.
=FRESH NEWS
