Significance of the Prime Minister's Visit to the Nations of Southeast Asia

1. Taking the 1977 speech by former Prime Minister Takeo Fukuda as a starting point, Japan's relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are now approaching the 25-year mark, and during this time have experienced considerable development. Japan has always regarded ASEAN as a partner in achieving peace and prosperity in East Asia, continuing to place great importance on the "heart-to-heart" relationship with the organization while working to strengthen the cooperative relationship. Meanwhile the regional situation has changed significantly throughout the period, with such developments as the realization of ASEAN10, the advancement of economic interdependence in the region and the more recent terrorist incidents.
2. In order to meet these changes head on, Japan is seeking to strengthen its relationship with the nations of ASEAN as "sincere & open partners," based on the fundamental principle of "acting together and advancing together." In addition, Japan will seek to cooperate with ASEAN to actively contribute to the peace and prosperity of not only the region, but also the international community as a whole. More specifically Japan will cooperate based on 3 pillars: 1)Cooperation for prosperity through reforms; 2)Cooperation for stability through integrated efforts; 3) Cooperation for the future.
3. 3. During this visit to the region, Japan aims to convey this basic concept directly to the leaders of each nation and gain their understanding through an exchange of opinions. Based on these exchanges, a framework policy speech is scheduled to be held in the Republic of Singapore, the last nation of the visit.