Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia at Joint Press Statement with Prime Minister of Japan, at The Okura Hotel, Tokyo, Japan, December 17, 2023
His Excellency Prime Minister Kishida Fumio,
I want to express my gratitude for the welcome and hospitality of the Japanese government as host of the ASEAN-Japan 50th Year Commemorative Summit. At the summit, we have agreed on a common vision and implementation plan which will become a reference for future partnerships.
Your Excellency,
Fifty years of partnership of ASEAN-Japan has made ASEAN and Japan as trusted partners. First, as partners for peace and stability, ASEAN and Japan will continue the commitment to maintain peace through inclusive collaboration, respect for international law, and strengthening ASEAN centrality. The ASEAN leaders also expressed appreciation for Japan’s full support for the implementation and prioritization of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and welcomed the plan to conduct Trilateral Mechanism Summit between Japan, the People’s Republic of China, and South Korea as the habit of dialogue. Apart from that, we also discussed the situation in Gaza, including the importance of pushing for permanent ceasefire and the widest possible access to humanitarian aid, as well as the immediate start of peace process.
Second, as partners across generations which is strengthened through increased educational cooperation, research and development, and digital economy development.
Third, as partners for economy and society through priority cooperation between two main sectors, namely strengthening food and energy security through agricultural technology cooperation, encouraging investment and technology transfer, accelerating digital transformation through upskilling and reskilling of human capital, as well as increasing digital connectivity, especially for MSMEs.
In addition, ASEAN also hopes for Japan’s support for the ASEAN Digital Economic Framework, more optimal use of RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership), and a more just and sustainable energy transition.
All in all, in the spirit of friendship, I believe the ASEAN and Japan partnership can continue to contribute to maintaining stability and peace, bringing people closer together, and driving economic growth in the region and the world.
Thank you.
(GWH/LW)