Special ASEAN-Japan Ministerial Meeting:
Building Solidarity and Strengthening Cooperation
on Disaster Management in Japan-ASEAN Relations

April 9, 2011

The Special ASEAN-Japan Ministerial Meeting was held in Jakarta, Indonesia (chaired by Indonesia Foreign Minister Marty) on April 9, 2011, with the attendance of Foreign Minister Matsumoto from Japan. The meeting was of historic significance for lasting Japan-ASEAN relations, in the sense that it demonstrates strong solidarity and a deeper sense of community among Japan and ASEAN. At the outset of the meeting, Foreign Minister Matsumoto expressed his appreciation for hosting the meeting, and conveyed gratitude on behalf of the Japanese government and people for the warm words of sympathy, donations, and other strong support from the governments and people of each ASEAN Member State. Foreign Minister Matsumoto also explained the current situation of support for victims and evacuees, Japan's response to the nuclear power plant accident, and the efforts being made toward recovery and reconstruction. With regard to the nuclear power plant accident in particular, he explained that Japan is providing information to the international community with maximal transparency. Moreover, he proposed further strengthening of cooperation in the area of disaster management between Japan and ASEAN in light of the current major Earthquake, as Japan's foreign policy for ASEAN going forward.

Furthermore, Foreign Minister Matsumoto presented a message from Japanese Prime Minister Kan expressing his appreciation for the support and feeling of solidarity received from ASEAN; his determination to bring the nuclear power plant accident under control, thoroughly examine the accident, and thereby contribute to reinforcing the safety of nuclear power plants; his determination to achieve Japan's recovery and continue to contribute to the development of ASEAN; and his confidence that the bonds of friendship between Japan and ASEAN would strengthen.

In response, representatives from each ASEAN Member State highly evaluated the explanation from Japan, affirming that the support from ASEAN for the earthquake was provided in the spirit of gratitude to Japan for its generous support to date, which has substantially contributed to the development of each ASEAN Member State. They also expressed expectations for continued contributions to regional stability and development from Japan.

Additionally, Foreign Minister Matsumoto proposed further strengthening of cooperation in the area of disaster management between Japan and ASEAN following the earthquake, including the holding of a seminar during this year and the provision of support for the improvement of communication facilities and stockpile systems, the dispatch of personnel from the ASEAN Coordinating Center for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Center), as well as the conduct of training in order to develop the capacity of the rescue teams. Moreover, he emphasized Japan's policy to proactively support efforts toward the building of the ASEAN Community by 2015, and Japan's unwavering policy to contribute to the strengthening of ASEAN Connectivity, which was highly praised by each ASEAN Member State.