Japan-ASEAN Commemorative Summit
(Meetings of leaders and foreign ministers)
December 2003
Below is an outline of the bilateral talks held between leaders and foreign ministers at the Japan-ASEAN Commemorative Summit.
1. Overview
(1) Japan -ASEAN relations
Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi clearly stated that Japan would continue to regard its relationship with ASEAN as very important and confirmed that Japan and ASEAN should further develop their relations as sincere and open partners that "act together, advance together." Japan's initiatives were highly evaluated by the ASEAN leaders.
(2) Iraq
All the ASEAN leaders expressed their condolences for the deaths of the two Japanese diplomats in Iraq.
Prime Minister Koizumi explained about the Cabinet decision of December 9 to dispatch Self Defense Forces (SDF) to Iraq. Japan gained the understanding of all the ASEAN leaders regarding its position to provide assistance in the humanitarian reconstruction of Iraq.
(3) Free trade agreements (FTA)
Japan and three countries of Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines agreed to begin negotiations early next year to conclude a free trade agreement and the leaders issued joint announcements. Japan and Indonesia agreed to redouble their efforts in discussions toward their bilateral FTA negotiation.
(4) Mekong region development
The importance of the Mekong region development was confirmed with Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.
2. Main issues discussed with each country (the date is the date of the summit by the leaders)
(1) Indonesia (December 10)
Prime Minister Koizumi evaluated Indonesia's reform efforts and expressed a decision to donate more than 100 billion yen in new yen loan projects for FY2003.
In the foreign ministers' bilateral meeting, Japan expressed its support for the Declaration of ASEAN Concord II agreed by ASEAN in October. Furthermore, they signed the framework document concerning the Japan-Indonesia Partnership Programme for south-south cooperation on technical cooperation, such as third-country training programs.
(2) Vietnam (December 10)
At the time of the leader's bilateral summit, members of the committee of the Japan-Vietnam Joint Initiative from respective countries submitted its final report to the both leaders. Vietnam expressed its expectation for further investment and economic cooperation from Japan.
Vietnam announced that visas would be waived for Japanese who visit Vietnam for a short time, effective from January 1 next year.
In the foreign ministers' bilateral meeting, the ministers confirmed cooperation toward the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) to be hosted by Vietnam in 2004 and joint economic cooperation toward Africa.
(3) Cambodia (December 10)
Japan conveyed its wish that the new Cambodian Government will be established soon, and its expectation that the Khmer Rouge Trials would be realized as soon as possible, and also indicated Japan's intention to provide human and financial assistance.
Cambodia expressed its gratitude for Japan's economic cooperation and the expectation that assistance would continue.
(4) Malaysia (December 11)
Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi reaffirmed the significance of the Look East Policy.
Ongoing cooperation towards the establishment of the Malaysia-Japan International University of Technology (MJIUT) was also confirmed.
Malaysia expressed the intention that the MJIUT serves as a center of excellence for human resource development in ASEAN.
(5) Singapore (December 11)
Prime Minister Koizumi highly evaluated the achievements of the Japan-Singapore Economic Partnership Agreement (JSEPA) as it was important in the promotion of free trade agreements with other countries. Furthermore, at the ministerial level (with attendance of Foreign Minister Kawaguchi and Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Nakagawa), opinions were exchanged about the achievements of JSEPA to date and future prospects of the Agreement.
Prime Minister Koizumi invited President SR Nathan to visit Japan during the next fiscal year.
(6) Thailand (December 11)
Both leaders confirmed that they would tackle regional and international issues as partners. In the presence of both leaders, the foreign ministers signed the "Memorandum on Japan-Thailand Partnership Programme in Technical Cooperation (Phase 2)."
Prime Minister Koizumi invited Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to visit Japan during the next fiscal year.
In the foreign ministers' bilateral meeting, the ministers discussed cooperation over such issues as the Myanmar issue and the Mekong region development.
(7) Brunei (December 11)
Both leaders shared the view that the friendly relations between the two countries will be strengthened further through this ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit Meeting. (Note: Next year will be the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with Brunei)
His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah explained that terrorism deviates from Islamic doctrines and confirmed that terrorism would not be tolerated.
(8) The Philippines (December 11)
The leaders shared the view that it was very important to cooperate in the area of maritime safety as measures to fight against terrorism and piracy.
The Philippines made a statement highly evaluating Japanese assistance, including assistance for Mindanao, and expressing hope for Japan's assistance to Brunei - Indonesia - Malaysia - Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).
Prime Minister Koizumi declared a loan provision of about 15.3 billion yen for the Agno River Integrated Irrigation Project.
(9) Laos (December 12)
The foreign ministers signed "Agreement on Technical Cooperation between the Government of Japan and the Government of the Lao PDR". Laos expressed its gratitude for Japan's economic cooperation and the expectation that assistance would continue.
Prime Minister Koizumi expressed his expectation of efforts to be made by Laos as next chair of ASEAN.
(10) Myanmar (December 12)
The leaders engaged in a thorough exchange of views regarding the issue of democratization of Myanmar.
Prime Minister Khin Nyunt explained that he was making utmost efforts to promote democratization process in a way that allowed the participation of all parties concerned. Prime Minister Koizumi expressed his expectation that the democratization be promoted in cooperation with the international community, thereby developing an environment in which Japan would be able to provide its cooperation.
In the foreign ministers' bilateral meeting, it was explained that Prime Minister Khin Nyunt was in personal contact with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
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