Overall Achievements of the Visit

January 22, 1997

1. The leaders of the countries visited highly appreciated the decision by Prime Minister Hashimoto to conduct his visit as scheduled despite the continuing tense situation over the occupation of the Japanese Ambassador's residence in the Republic of Peru; they took this as proof that Japan attaches great importance to ASEAN.

2. The Prime Minister suggested to the leaders he met that the three points listed below should be the pillars of cooperation aimed at broadening and deepening relations between Japan and ASEAN, and he obtained their support. He gave a comprehensive presentation of these ideas in the policy speech that he made in Singapore, the final stop on his itinerary. This speech is considered to mark a major step toward construction of a Japan-ASEAN relationship for the 21st century.

3. The Prime Minister pointed out that the presence of the United States in the Asia-Pacific region is essential for the stable development of the region; he also stressed the importance of involving China as a constructive partner in the international community.

4. Concerning the occupation of the Japanese Ambassador's residence in the Republic of Peru, the leaders of the ASEAN countries expressed their full support for the position taken by the Peruvian government and Japan's basic stance.

5. The Prime Minister stressed that his administration is promoting reform in Japan in six areas: public administration, economic structure, financial system, social security, fiscal structure, and education. He expressed his view that these reforms, together with ASEAN's own structural reforms, will further enhance Japan-ASEAN economic relations. The ASEAN leaders indicated their support for Japan's initiatives for its reforms.