ASEAN, Japan Pledge Stronger Cooperation On Cybersecurity, Climate, And Regional Stability

JAKARTA, March 6 (Bernama) -- Senior officials from ASEAN and Japan have agreed to bolster cooperation in areas including transnational crime, cybersecurity, digitalisation, green transition, science and technology, sustainable development, and climate action.

During the meeting at the 40th ASEAN-Japan Forum in Karuizawa, Japan, on Wednesday, the officials also reaffirmed their commitment to advance the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), based on mutual trust, respect, and equal partnership.

According to the ASEAN Secretariat, discussions also focused on strengthening cooperation under the CSP’s three pillars: Heart-to-Heart Partners Across Generations, Partners for Co-creation of Economy and Society of the Future, and Partners for Peace and Stability.

ASEAN welcomed Japan’s commitment to supporting the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) through concrete projects, aimed at fostering practical cooperation in key areas of the AOIP.

This is seen as a contribution to advancing the CSP in an open, transparent, and inclusive manner, the secretariat stated.

The regional bloc also welcomed Japan’s proposal for a Joint Statement on the further promotion of the AOIP, to be adopted at the 28th ASEAN-Japan Summit later this year.

“Japan reaffirmed its strong support for ASEAN Centrality and ASEAN Community-building efforts,” the statement read.

Both sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest and agreed to enhance collaboration in addressing emerging challenges, with a shared goal of promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.

-- BERNAMA