On 12 November 2014, at 15.00 - 16.00 hrs., H.E. General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of Thailand, attended the 17th ASEAN - Japan Summit at Myanmar International Convention Centre 1 (MICC-1) in Nay Pyi Taw, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. The Summit was chaired by H.E. U Thein Sein, President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. Also in attendance were the ASEAN Leaders and H.E. Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan. 

The Meeting noted the progress on the implementation of the Vision Statement on ASEAN - Japan Friendship and Cooperation: Shared Vision, Shared Identity, and Shared Future. The Meeting exchanged views on ways to move forward the cooperation and underscored the importance of enhancing cooperation in various areas including  ASEAN Community building, regional connectivity, people-to-people exchange, education, health, and disaster management.  In promoting economic growth, the Leaders agreed to expedite the conclusion of the trade in service and investment agreements by next year, with a view to reach the target to double two-way trade by 2022. The Leaders also adopted the ASEAN-Japan Joint Declaration for Cooperation to Combat Terrorism and Transnational Crime to further promote cooperation in addressing non-traditional threats.

The Prime Minister of Thailand shared his vision on the future direction of the ASEAN - Japan Strategic Partnership and encouraged enhanced cooperation in ASEAN Community building through the development of regional connectivity, especially infrastructure investment including the development of railway system, dual-track railway system, Dawei deep-sea port, and Special Economic Zones. Furthermore, The Prime Minister supported the enhanced role of Japan in promoting peace and stability in the region and cooperation in addressing non-traditional threats, especially in disaster preparedness and risk reduction.                                            

The Japanese Prime Minister underscored Japan’s commitment to 4 policies to the ASEAN - Japan Strategic Partnership including Partners for Security through the policy of “Proactive Contribution to Peace”, Partners for Prosperity through the initiative on “Developing Infrastructure in Asia for “Quality Growth” and People-Centred Investment”, Partners for Quality of Life through the “ASEAN - Japan Health Initiative”, and Heart-to-Heart Partners through exchange programmes for youth, sport, culture and art .  

The Prime Minister’s participation at the17th  ASEAN-Japan Summit underscores Thailand’s active role in enhancing the strategic relations between ASEAN and Japan which span across political, economic, social , and cultural dimensions. Japan is ASEAN’s third largest trading partner and second largest foreign investor, and have provided continuous support for ASEAN integration.