Japan-ASEAN Summit Meeting
- The significance of the Prime Minister's visit -
December, 1997
I. Background
(a) Situations in and around ASEAN marking the thirty-year anniversary
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) marks its thirtieth anniversary this year, and has become a cooperative organization embracing all Southeast Asian nations except for Cambodia. Backed by remarkable economic growth since the late 80s, ASEAN nations have been pursuing vigorous diplomacy and strengthened solidarity. On the other hand, however, in addition to domestic political situations in Cambodia and Myanmar, ASEAN now faces challenges and needs to tackle the recent currency instability, and strengthen its economy.
(b) The Significance of ASEAN for Japan
The ASEAN region is located on an important transportation route for natural resources and other materials to Japan. The volume exported from ASEAN to Japan accounts for about 16% of Japan's entire trade, and about 20% of Japan's direct investment (flow basis). Moreover, ASEAN supplies 10% of Japan's crude oil imports and 80% of its natural gas. Because the economies of Japan and ASEAN are closely interrelated, coordinated policies are increasingly needed. In addition, in order to ensure the stability in the Asia-Pacific region, it is essential to maintain the solid relations between Japan and ASEAN nations, which are Japan's neighbors and old friends.
II. Purpose of the Visit
(a) Japan-ASEAN Summit Meeting
Determine the basic orientation of future cooperation between Japan and ASEAN, based on the result of the Prime Minister's January visit.
(i) Reaffirming Japan's support for ASEAN which is entering a new stage Reaffirm Japan's support for ASEAN nations' efforts at structural reform, so that ASEAN, which is facing new economic challenges triggered by the recent currency instability, can continue to enjoy steady development; explain Japan's efforts to achieve economic structural reform; and share the recognition that continued liberalization is the key to the future development of ASEAN as a regional cooperative organization.
(ii) Encouraging interest and promoting cooperation toward the challenges faced by the international community Promote cooperation on: (a) environment and energy; (b) international terrorism and international organized crimes such as drugs; (c) improvement of world health and welfare as priority issues which exist all around the world, as well as in Southeast Asian region.
(iii) Enhancing the exchange of views and cooperation toward maintaining the peace and stability of the region. Reaffirm the policy to enhance cooperation and to deepen trust through the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and to promote policy and security dialogue; express Japan's determination toward the steady development of Japan-U.S.-China relations.
(iv) Embarking on closer dialogue between leaders of Japan and the ASEAN nations. Reaffirm the consensus that leaders will meet more often, and agree to exchange views closely on regional and global issues and cooperation in international fora. Reaffirm the policy to enhance intellectual and cultural exchanges through the multi-nationality cultural mission.
(b) Informal Summit Meeting among ASEAN+Japan, China and the Republic of Korea
(i) Definition
Informal and frank exchange of views with the leaders of East Asian Nations on regional and international issues.
(ii) Major issues of the Meeting
Exchange views informally on the political and economic situations of the region and the international community, as well as on the development of relations with other regions. Exchange views on the prospect of and future measures for the East Asian economies, taking into account the present economic and currency situations there, with the primary focus on the "perspective of East Asia in the 21st century." Also, exchange views on regional security issues, environmental issues, regional cooperation such as the development of the Mekong Delta and relations with other regions, including the Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM).
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