22nd ASEAN-Japan Summit

On 4 November 2019, H.E. General Prayut Chan-o-cha (Ret.), Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, chaired the 22^nd ASEAN-Japan Summit, during the 35^th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits. The session was attended by H.E. Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan and Leaders of ASEAN Member States.  

         ASEAN Leaders congratulated Japan on the enthronement of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito and the new Reiwa era, as well as the successful hosting of the G20 Osaka Summit in June and the Rugby World Cup, early November 2019. They also expressed their sympathy in solidarity to the government of Japan and the victims of the tragic disaster from Typhoon Hagibis. The Prime Minister of Japan welcomed ASEAN athletes to the Olympics and Paralympics to be held in Tokyo next year. 

The Meeting appreciated Japan’s continued support for ASEAN centrality and ASEAN-led mechanisms in the regional architecture, as well as Japan’s contribution to the Initiative for ASEAN Integration. The Meeting discussed ways to strengthen the ASEAN-Japan Strategic Partnership, and advance sustainability in all dimensions. In this regard, the Meeting discussed complementarities between Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) Strategy and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), and cooperation with Japan in areas under the AOIP. The Meeting exchanged views on regional issues, such as the situation in the South China Sea and the Korean Peninsula. 

The Leaders noted the strong economic relations between ASEAN and Japan, and discussed their cooperation to promote trade, investment and connectivity. The Meeting discussed the synergy between Japan’s Quality Infrastructure Initiative and the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025. The Meeting supported the conclusion of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and recognized the importance of developing a digital infrastructure as well as preparations for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). 

 On socio-cultural issues, they supported cooperation in education such as teacher and vocational training, and higher education scholarships. ASEAN Leaders and the Prime Minister of Japan adopted the Joint Statement of the 22^nd ASEAN-Japan Summit on Connectivity. 

ASEAN-Japan informal dialogue relations began in 1973, and four years later in 1977, Japan officially became ASEAN’s Dialogue Partner. When ASEAN and Japan celebrated the 30^th Anniversary of their Dialogue Relations in 2003, Japan was elevated to Strategic Partner. In 2011, Japan became the first Dialogue Partner to establish a Permanent Mission to ASEAN in Jakarta.

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