JAPAN DETAILS VISION FOR ASEAN COOPERATION IN DIGITAL, GREEN, AND SECURITY SECTORS — IWAYA
KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 (Bernama) -- Japan is committed to deepening strategic cooperation with ASEAN, with a particular focus on the green energy transition, digital infrastructure, enhanced connectivity, and the promotion of regional peace and stability, says Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya.
Speaking under the theme “Partners for Co-creation of the Economy and Society of the Future”, he outlined key initiatives, emphasising Japan’s hopes to promote decarbonisation, economic growth, and energy security. These goals, he said, would be pursued through policy coordination under the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC), in partnership with ASEAN.
“Japan will also promote the development of digital infrastructure through the ‘ASEAN-Japan Digital Work Plan’ and enhance cybersecurity cooperation via the ASEAN-Japan Cyber Security Capacity Building Centre (AJCCBC),” he said.
Iwaya said this during his opening remarks at the ASEAN-Japan Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held here today, which he co-chaired with his Singaporean counterpart Dr Vivian Balakrishnan. His remarks were shared on Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
To support inclusive policy formulation in emerging technologies, Iwaya announced that Japan will back the hosting of a “Co-creation Workshop” in Thailand. The initiative aims to incorporate ASEAN perspectives into the OECD’s AI Policy Toolkit.
He affirmed Tokyo’s commitment to boosting regional connectivity through initiatives focused on transport, electricity - particularly to support the ASEAN Power Grid - and human capital exchange under the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Connectivity Initiative.
“Japan also works closely with ASEAN in disaster management, including supporting the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre),” he said, adding that Japan will host the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai in 2027.
On trade, Iwaya stressed the importance of maintaining a rules-based multilateral trading system and advancing reforms within the World Trade Organisation (WTO). He also underscored the value of strengthening economic partnerships through key regional frameworks, including the ASEAN–Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP), the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
Under the theme “Partners for Peace and Stability,” he highlighted Japan’s strong focus on maritime security, the fight against transnational crime—including online scams—and deepening cybersecurity collaboration.
“We aim to strengthen cooperation among relevant authorities and jointly tackle regional and international issues,” Iwaya said, citing Cambodia’s role in mine action and the possibility of collaborating on mine action in Ukraine.
He also noted that the Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD) remains a key platform. He expressed hope for constructive dialogue at the ministerial meeting on extending support to Palestine amid the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Turning to broader regional strategy, Iwaya underscored ASEAN’s pivotal role in realising a Free and Open Indo-Pacific Partnership (FOIP) and in driving global economic growth. He emphasised ASEAN’s vital contribution to peace and prosperity across the region.
“Japan fully supports the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, launched on the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the ASEAN Community. While continuing to respect ASEAN Centrality and unity, Japan will support ASEAN's further efforts for its integration based on this vision,” he said.
Iwaya also noted the alignment between Japan’s FOIP and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), stating that both frameworks share essential principles.
“We would like to work together to mainstream and implement the AOIP in order to lead the international community from divisions to cooperation,” he added.
-- BERNAMA
