ASEAN, Japan establish comprehensive strategic partnership

The joint statement reaffirms both sides’ commitment to further strengthen 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 of this year.

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio reasserted the 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 a member of ASEAN and an active member of ASEAN and an extensive strategic partner of Japan, Viet Nam makes 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.

Pham 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.

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

Pham expressed his hope that Japanese strategic investors would join hands with ASEAN to further promote emerging and potential areas of cooperation such as green economy, digital economy, circular economy, among others./.