VIENTIANE – In a significant move to enhance regional cooperation, the 27th ASEAN-Japan Summit, held on October 10th, in Vientiane, marked a milestone in diplomatic relations between Japan and the Southeast Asian nations. Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru of Japan, in his first overseas visit since taking office, expressed a strong determination to deepen the bonds with ASEAN countries, emphasizing the shared values of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. The summit underscored the theme of “Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience,” reflecting a mutual commitment to addressing contemporary challenges and advancing collective growth.

The discussions at the summit highlighted the steady progress in the three pillars of cooperation established during the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation. These include the “Heart-to-Heart Partners across Generation” initiative, which has successfully dispatched over 100 “NIHONGO Partners” to ASEAN countries, fostering cultural and educational exchanges. The “Partners for Co-creation of Economy and Society of the Future” pillar has seen various projects under the Japan-ASEAN Comprehensive Connectivity Initiative, spanning digital technology, transport infrastructure development, and electricity connectivity.

Japan’s commitment to regional financial cooperation and support for the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED) and the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) were also reaffirmed. The summit laid the groundwork for cooperation on emerging issues such as Green Transformation (GX) and Digital Transformation (DX), aiming to shape a vibrant future for the region. The upcoming Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Leaders Meeting, scheduled for October 11th, will further these efforts by promoting decarbonization while ensuring economic growth and a stable energy supply.

Moreover, developing a roadmap for concrete cooperation in AI human resources, in collaboration with the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), signifies a forward-looking approach to technological advancement and capacity building. The summit concluded with a reaffirmation of the “Trusted Partners” vision, promising a meaningful, substantive, and mutually beneficial Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that embraces ASEAN unity and solidarity. (zai)