PM Pham Minh Chinh (4th from left) and other leaders of ASEAN and Japan at the summit in Tokyo, Japan, on December 17, 2023. (Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac)

Addressing a summit in Tokyo celebrating 50 years of ASEAN-Japan relations, PM Chinh called on Japan to continue to have a strong voice and actions in support of ASEAN's common stance on the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea).

The Prime Minister emphasized the need for both sides to strengthen investment in human resources, enhance economic and trade connectivity, and effectively implement the revised ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and other trade agreements involving both sides.

He said ASEAN and Japan should expand cooperation in new areas, especially innovation, digital transformation, green economy, circular economy, and smart agriculture, and turn them into new growth drivers for future economic cooperation.

Calling the ASEAN-Japan mechanism one of ASEAN’s most successful dialogue relationships, PM Chinh emphasized that amid many headwinds and unprecedented challenges in the region and the world, both sides need to enhance cooperation and strive to make the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership a symbol of unity and international cooperation.

At the end of the summit, participants adopted the Joint Vision Statement on ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation and its Implementation Plan.