Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand attended the ASEAN – Japan Ministerial Meeting, reaffirmed Thailand’s readiness as the Country Coordinator, stressed cooperation under the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, and explored new areas of cooperation such as the Bio-Circular-Green Economy Model, which in line with Japan’s Green Growth Strategy.

On 3 August 2021, H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended the ASEAN-Japan Ministerial Meeting via video conference. H.E. Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, also attended the Meeting.

The Meeting congratulated Japan for the successful hosting of Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and discussed ASEAN-Japan cooperation in a number of areas, including security, economic, and socio-cultural cooperation, as well as healthcare and the COVID-19 response. Japan looked forward to an early establishment of the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED). The Meeting also supported enhancing cooperation in the four priority areas under the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and implementation of the ASEAN-Japan Joint Statement on this matter. In addition, the Meeting exchanged views on regional and international issues, including major power relations, the situations on the Korean Peninsula, in Myanmar, and in the South China Sea.

At the Meeting, Thailand expressed its readiness to serve as the Country Coordinator for ASEAN-Japan Dialogue Relations during 2021-2024. Thailand emphasised enhancing “Heart-to-Heart” partnership towards promoting sustainability in all dimensions, with people at the heart of the partnership. Thailand also stressed the need to strengthen cooperation on the COVID-19 response and post-pandemic recovery, as well as implementation of the AOIP including through exploring new areas of cooperation such as the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy Model, which is in line with Japan’s Green Growth Strategy. Thailand also expressed readiness to work on activities to celebrate the auspicious occasion of the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan relations in 2023.

At the end of the Meeting, Vietnam handed over the role of the Country Coordinator for ASEAN-Japan Dialogue Relations to Thailand.

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