Press Releases

On September 11, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs ONISHI attended the public session of the 19th Japan-Singapore Symposium and delivered the closing remarks. In his closing remarks, he stated that as changes in the security environment surrounding the international community accelerate, it is highly significant for Japan and Singapore, which share fundamental principles and values, to discuss various themes in a multi-layered and multi-faceted manner. He also noted that given the current severe international situation, it is necessary for each country to acquire "autonomy" and "resilience" for regional peace, stability, and prosperity, and that Japan and Singapore have great potential to cooperate in this regard.

In addition, Foreign Minister MOTEGI delivered a video message at the Symposium, and Mr. Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Internal Affairs of Singapore, and approximately 100 experts from Japan and Singapore participated in the Symposium. Lively discussions were held on the partnership between the two countries for realizing resilience in Asia from various perspectives, including geopolitics, security, economic security, trade and technology.

On September 11, Parliamentary Vice-Minister ONISHI attended the opening ceremony of the 25th Symposium hosted by the ASEAN Council of Japan Alumni (ASCOJA) and ASJA International, and delivered a speech on behalf of the Government of Japan. Parliamentary Vice-Minister ONISHI expressed his respect and gratitude for the contributions of ASCOJA and ASJA International to the strengthening of relations between Japan and ASEAN, and stated his hope for their continued cooperation in further building the relationship of mutual trust based on "heart-to-heart" understanding as called for by the Fukuda Doctrine.

The Symposium was attended by Mr. Tatsuo FUKUDA, Chief Secretary of the Parliamentary Association for ASCOJA-ASJA and a member of Japan's House of Representatives, former Japanese exchange students and experts, who engaged in lively discussions on the theme of the "Fukuda Doctrine."

(Note 1) ASEAN Council of Japan Alumni
The ASEAN Council of Japan Alumni (ASCOJA) is a federation of alumni associations of former Japanese exchange students from 10 ASEAN countries, excluding Timor-Leste, established in 1977. With a membership of over 50,000, the organization counts numerous prominent figures from each country among its members, and co-hosts an annual symposium with ASJA International to discuss the strengthening of Japan-ASEAN relations.

(Note 2) ASJA International
ASJA International is an international organization established in 2000 as a counterpart to ASCOJA. It works to promote mutual understanding between Japan and ASEAN through the development of human resources who serve as bridges for friendly and cooperative relations between Japan and ASEAN, as well as through support for ASCOJA's activities.