On 17 December 2023, H.E. Mr. Srettha Thavisin, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, along with H.E. Mr. Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation in Tokyo.

As the Country Coordinator for ASEAN-Japan Dialogue Relations, the Prime Minister commended Japan’s constructive role and close cooperation with ASEAN for more than 50 years in promoting peace, security and strong economic growth in the region amidst the current geo-political, geo-economic, and technological uncertainties.
On this occasion, the Prime Minister proposed 5 key areas of cooperation for co-creating economic growth and prosperity of the region, namely:

(1) Connectivity and advancing regional integration by fully utilising the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP), Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) as well as sub-regional frameworks. In line of this, Thailand is developing the Landbridge project to support seamless connectivity between the Indian and the Pacific Oceans.

(2) Sustainable development and green growth through energy transition, green financing, and development of an EV ecosystem. Thailand supports Japan’s Asia Zero Emission Community Initiative and the Strategic Program for ASEAN Climate and Environment in addressing climate change.

(3) Digital transformation – ASEAN is currently working on the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), which is expected to double the value of the region’s digital economy to USD 2 trillion by 2030. Thailand also hopes to cooperate with Japan to create a digital ecosystem to accelerate digital transformation.

(4) Public health security - Thailand appreciated Japan's USD 50 million contribution to the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED), of which the Secretariat and the Response Office is located in Thailand, to better respond to future public health emergencies. Thailand is also ready to cooperate with Japan to promote Universal Health Coverage.

(5) Creative industries and soft power - Thailand is ready to work with ASEAN and Japan in the creative sector including design, fashion, food, film, music, performing arts, and digital content to generate economic and social value.

The Prime Minister also emphasised the importance of strengthening "Heart-to-Heart Partnership" through people-to-people exchanges, including education and culture, which is a foundation for the long-standing relations between ASEAN and Japan.

In addition, the meeting exchanged views on regional and international issues, including the situation in Myanmar. Japan expressed its readiness to cooperate with ASEAN in providing humanitarian assistance in Myanmar. Leaders also adopted the Joint Vision Statement on ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation and its Implementation Plan which set out the direction for further advancing ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.