Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) agreed Sunday to deepen relations regarding security and economic issues at a summit to commemorate 50 years of friendship and cooperation.
In a “joint vision statement” issued after the gathering in Tokyo, the leaders pledged to step up cooperation on maritime security, strengthen supply chains, promote sustainable energy practices and expand people-to-people exchanges in various sectors.
The leaders also announced the launch of a new initiative for the next-generation auto industry aimed at mapping out strategies to enable ASEAN members to remain a major hub of auto production and exports.
Among other new efforts to further boost the economy in the fast-growing region is supporting digital startups as well as accelerating public and private investment to achieve decarbonization, according to the the statement.
“Based on strong mutual trust, Japan and ASEAN will tackle new challenges,” Kishida said at a news conference after the end of the summit, adding that he is glad that they will take a “new step toward the next 50 years.”
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/12/17/japan/politics/japan-asean-summit/
