ASEAN, Japan establish comprehensive strategic partnership

Leaders of ASEAN and Japan adopted a joint statement on the establishment of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership at the 26th ASEAN-Japan Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia on Wednesday.

The joint statement reaffirms both sides’ commitment to further strengthening relations based on mutual trust, respect, benefit, and equal partnership.

Both sides looked forward to the convening and substantive deliverables of the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit to be held in Tokyo in December this year.

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio reasserted his support for ASEAN's unity and central role and pledged that Japan would continue actively participating in ASEAN-led mechanisms.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed that as an active member of ASEAN and an extensive strategic partner of Japan, Vietnam will make every effort to contribute to deepening ASEAN-Japan relations.

He suggested that economic cooperation should be the major pillar and driving force for the ASEAN-Japan comprehensive strategic partnership.

PM Chinh also proposed Japan facilitate products of ASEAN countries to make inroads into the Japanese market, and assist regional businesses in engaging more deeply in the supply chain of Japanese businesses, as well as the global supply chain.

Vietnam and other ASEAN member states have created favorable conditions for the operation of over 15,000 Japanese investors, he added.

The Vietnamese prime minister expressed his hope that Japanese strategic investors would join hands with ASEAN to further promote emerging and potential areas of cooperation such as the green, digital and circular economies, among others