Jakarta (VNA)ไ – The ASEAN Secretariat has announced its participation in the World Expo 2025, scheduled to take place in Osaka, Japan, from April 13 to October 13.

Speaking at a press conference held on April 9, Nararya Soeprapto, ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General for Community and Corporate Affairs and Commissioner-General of the ASEAN Secretariat at the World Expo, highlighted the importance of the expo to ASEAN – Japan relations, saying the World Expo serves as a crucial platform for nations to collaborate in addressing global challenges. The official stated that ASEAN’s presence underscores the bloc's commitment to a more integrated, resilient, and people-centred region, adding that 2025 is also an important year when the ASEAN Vision 2045 is expected to be adopted. Japanese Ambassador to ASEAN Kiya Masahiko expressed the country’s strong support for ASEAN’s participation in the event and encouraged people from member countries to take this opportunity to visit the expo and explore the rest of Japan. According to Nararya, ASEAN’s participation, themed “Building Bridges”, aims to foster connections with participating countries, organisations, and the public. The ASEAN pavilion will showcase the region’s diversity and dynamism, highlighting its role as a key trade and investment destination, and promoting its rich cultural heritage. The pavilion, to be officially opened by ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn, will feature the bloc's cooperation initiatives, including the ASEAN – Japan partnership, interactive games like the ASEAN Trail Challenge, and captivating cultural and musical performances, he added. He went on to say that the 58th ASEAN Day on August 8 will also be commemorated at the event, which will also celebrate the enduring friendship between the association and the Northeast Asian nation./.