Japan would like to create a vibrant future together with ASEAN, by promoting cooperation in emerging fields, such as green development (GX) and digital transformation (DX).
Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi (Photo: Kyodo/VNA)
Tokyo (VNA) – Japan is committed to supporting ASEAN integration and further strengthening relations with ASEAN member countries, as a top priority, Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi said in his video message sent to the ASEAN Future Forum 2025, which took place in Hanoi on February 25 and 26.
He said as the divisions and conflicts in the international community worsen and the security environment becomes ever more severe, the role of ASEAN, which is the “keystone” of the Indo-Pacific, is becoming increasingly important for peace and prosperity in the entire region.
In particular, Japan would like to create a vibrant future together with ASEAN, by promoting cooperation in emerging fields, such as green development (GX) and digital transformation (DX).
Japan will also further promote concrete cooperation under the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) platform, he added.
The diplomat emphasised the importance of safeguarding freedom, the rule of law, and respecting diversity, inclusiveness and openess as the international community is now being greatly disrupted.
Japan is the first among ASEAN’s external partners to express its full support for the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).
He said Japan is strongly encouraged that the AOIP shares fundamental principles including openness, transparency, inclusivity, and a rules-based framework with a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) which the country advocates.
Japan will continue to work side by side with ASEAN to support the mainstreaming of the AOIP.
Iwaya said that it is also extremely important for world peace and stability that ASEAN, which is developing as the world's growth centre, plays a vital role to address not only regional but global issues. Japan wishes to strengthen cooperation with ASEAN on a global scale./.
According to the article, Lao Deputy PM Saleumxay Kommasith congratulated and highly valued Vietnam's initiative in organising the forum. He affirmed that this is an important event in the region, with its theme aligning with current trends and conditions in the region and the world.
Delegates put forward proposals to advance the development of ASEAN, from institutional reforms to strengthening cooperation in new areas, thus promoting breakthrough solutions to help ASEAN maintain solidarity, enhance resilience, and preserve its core values and identity shaped over decades.
In their speeches, leaders of countries and international organisations emphasised ASEAN’s cooperation, solidarity, inclusivity, and resilience amid global uncertainties and significant transformations.
The key content of the document titled "Accelerating Innovative Strategies: Addressing the OOSCY Challenges" will be refined further in a seminar preceding the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur this October.
This follows Telegram’s serious failure to address the content that has been repeatedly reported to them, despite various efforts of negotiation and cooperation made by MCMC, it said.
Efforts to empower women must transcend dialogue and translate into concrete commitments, including corporate pledges and government partnerships, according to the spouse of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
The forum featured two in-depth discussion sessions, engaging representatives from governments, think tanks, and businesses from both ASEAN and China, on how to forge closer ties for a common future.
The new FIFA Hub in Jakarta will not only support football development in Indonesia but also serve as a coordination centre for 21 football associations across Southeast and East Asia.
Minister Counselor Nguyen Hoang Nguyen reaffirmed Vietnam’s principled and consistent stance on the Palestine issue, calling for an immediate and lasting ceasefire across the entire Gaza Strip.
PM Anwar Ibrahim affirmed the determination of Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair for 2025, to utilise all viable regional mechanisms of the bloc and work with partners to de-escalate violence and restore a peace process led by Myanmar.
Talking to the Vietnam News Agency on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Vietnam’s Revolutionary Press Day (June 21, 1925–2025), Nikulina, who is also a veteran journalist of Russia’s Sputnik News, emphasised the vital role of mainstream journalism in defending the truth and maintaining public trust.
The Ministry of Commerce reported that imports also rose 18% to 29.9 billion USD during the same period, resulting in a trade surplus of 1.1 billion USD. In May alone, Thailand posted a 4.6 billion USD trade surplus with the US and a 4.1 billion USD trade deficit with China.
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.
