Japan-ASEAN Relations

Minister MOTEGI stated the following:

1. The total GDP of ASEAN+3 currently exceeds a quarter of the world's total, and the role we must play in ensuring regional and global stability and prosperity has greatly expanded.
2. Japan supports ASEAN Centrality and unity, and the "ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP)". Japan's "Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)" shares general directions with AOIP. Japan is committed to fulfilling its role as a coordinator for Japan, China, and Korea so that ASEAN+3 can closely work together toward advancing and mainstreaming the AOIP.
3. Japan would like to re-emphasize the great significance of cooperating to deal with common challenges faced by ASEAN+3 countries. Japan is committed to leveraging the potential of the ASEAN+3 framework to address challenges such as energy and food security, aging population, and disaster risk prevention.

1. Minister MOTEGI stated that Japan considers strengthening cooperation in line with the "ASEAN Community Vision 2045" to be indispensable for regional stability and prosperity, and outlined Japan's priorities within the three areas of "Economy and Finance," "Sustainable Society," and "Peace and Security" as follows:
   
   a. Cooperation in Economy and Finance
   On the economic front, Japan looks forward to cooperation, such as maintaining and strengthening the multilateral trading system and realizing WTO reform. Regarding financial cooperation, Japan will continue to lead discussions on the progress of cross-border electronic payments.
   
   b. Cooperation toward a Sustainable Society
   Regarding the energy sector, under "POWERR Asia" launched by Japan in response to the recent Middle East situation, Japan will advance cooperation in providing financial and fiscal support as an emergency response. Japan will also strengthen supply chain systems such as oil stockpiling and diversify energy sources as a medium- to long-term response. Regarding the food sector, Japan will lead discussions on enhancing support through the ASEAN+3 Emergency Rice Reserve.
   
   c. Cooperation in Peace and Security
   As an urgent measure to combat organized fraud, Japan has continued to provide capacity building assistance to ASEAN countries. Japan is also committed to continued cooperation through such initiatives as the ASEAN+3 Cybercrime Dialogue.


2. Other participating countries expressed their determination to further promote cooperation in ASEAN+3, introduced initiatives being pursued by each country, and spoke about cooperation areas that each country considers priority issues, including economic and financial cooperation, digital economy, health, food security, energy security and disaster prevention.

1. Minister MOTEGI stated that the adverse impact of the situation in the Middle East on the global economy is a shared concern among all countries, and that Japan is committed to addressing the challenges together with ASEAN Member States and will continue to make diplomatic efforts, including toward the swift and lasting restoration of free and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz without additional costs.
2. Regarding North Korea, Minister MOTEGI stated that North Korea's nuclear and missile development constitutes a violation of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and that is unacceptable. Minister MOTEGI emphasized that the complete denuclearization of North Korea is essential. In addition, Minister MOTEGI called for the continued understanding and cooperation of the abductions issue from each country.
3. Other participating countries stated the importance of efforts by countries in the region to strengthen the energy supply networks in response to the situation in the Middle East, as well as enhancing cooperation on food security.

Minister MOTEGI stated that through today's discussions, the various potentials of ASEAN+3 cooperation were reaffirmed, and that Japan is committed to continuing to deepen future-oriented cooperation in a wide range of fields. Minister MOTEGI added that, looking ahead to the 30th anniversary of ASEAN+3 cooperation next year, Japan looks forward to continuing to further cooperate with all participating countries.