Japan has considered ASEAN an important partner, pledging to become the bloc’s irreplaceable partner in efforts of salvaging “diversification” in politics, economy, socio-culture.
Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida. (Source: gettyimages.se)
Bangkok (VNA) – Japan has considered ASEAN an important partner, pledg൩ing to become the bloc’s irreplaceable partner in efforts of salvaging “diversification” in politics, economy, socio-culture and strengthening “connectivity” in the region🦂.
The statement was made by Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida during his visit to Thailand on May 2. He also disclosed Tokyo’s priorities in collaborating with the ASEAN member states in the near future.
The diplomat accentuated the establishment of the ASEAN Community in late 2015 as a milestone in the region’s development history while reiterating Japan’s full support for the bloc’s integration.
The Japanese official also announced a seven billion USD initiative in the next three years to promote growth in the Greater Mekong Sub-region, which encompasses parts of Cambodia , Myanmar , Laos , Thailand and Vietnam through funding in infrastructure and development of human resources in these countries.
Besides this, Japan will also support the ASEAN member states in dealing with the impacts of natural disasters via numerous programmes, including cooperation in capacity development and expertise sharing, he added.
The diplomat acknowledged ASEAN and its partners, including Japan,are facing several security issues such as terrorism, extremism, and maritime safety and security. He called for cooperation in tackling these issues in order to maintaining stability in this region.
Regarding the East Sea issue, Kishida said Japan opposes any unilateral schemes to change the status quo in the water and urged for the establishment of a code of conduct (COC) in the East Sea.
Thailand was the second leg of the minister’s eight-day Asia tour, after China. He is scheduled to visit Myanmar , Laos and Vietnam.-VNA
ASEAN and Japan Senior Officials participating in the 30th ASEAN-Japan Forum, held on June 22 in Cambodia, reaffirmed the importance of the strategic partnership between two sides and agreed to explore new opportunities to further the relationship.
ASEAN security chiefs and Eriko Yamatani, Japanese Cabinet Minister and Head of the National Public Safety Commission, held talks in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on October 1.
ASEAN and Japan reaffirmed their commitment to fostering collaboration at the 9th Meeting of the ASEAN-Japan Joint Cooperation (JCC) held on November 5 in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida. (Source: gettyimages.se)
