Prime Minister ISHIBA Shigeru attended the ASEAN-related Summit Meetings held in Vientiane, the capital of Lao PDR, from October 10 to 11, as his first overseas trip since assuming office. While reaffirming Japan’s determination to further strengthen relationships with the ASEAN member nations and maintain and reinforce a free and open international order based on the rule of law, he also called for international cooperation to realize decarbonization in Asia under the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC).
The 27th ASEAN-Japan Summit was attended by the leaders of the 10 ASEAN member states and Japan, with Timor-Leste as an observer. Prime Minister ISHIBA Shigeru stated that Japan looks forward to working with the ASEAN member states to pave the way for the future together as “Trusted Partners” with “heart to heart” connection.
At the 27th ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)-Japan Summit held on October 10, the first day of his visit, Prime Minister ISHIBA Shigeru expressed his strong determination to further strengthen the relationship between Japan and ASEAN, which have built a relationship of trust over half a century. With regard to “Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience,” the theme of this year’s ASEAN chair, he noted that various projects are underway in a wide range of areas under the Japan-ASEAN Comprehensive Connectivity Initiative, including digital technology, transport infrastructure development, and electricity connectivity. Additionally, he spoke of the decision to send Japanese experts to the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases and the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management. He also stated that Japan will promote cooperation to address emerging issues such as Green Transformation (GX) and Digital Transformation (DX) in order to jointly shape a vibrant future of the region.
At the same time, the prime minister expressed Japan’s intention to strive further to contribute to the region’s peace and stability. He mentioned that Japan is providing patrol vessels in order to strengthen maritime security, while working to strengthen economic security and cybersecurity.
At the 27th ASEAN Plus Three (Japan-China-Republic of Korea) Summit held on the same day, he stated that Japan is committed to further promoting ASEAN+3 cooperation for the stability and prosperity of the region. He introduced some specific initiatives led by Japan, including the establishment of the Rapid Financing Facility, which was agreed to among the ASEAN+3 nations in May 2024, as well as Disaster Risk Financing and the ASEAN+3 Emergency Rice Reserve.
At the welcome ceremony in Lao PDR on October 11.
During the series of meetings, frank discussions were held on the international situation. The consistent message delivered by Prime Minister Ishiba was that any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion must not be tolerated anywhere in the world, and that it is essential to maintain and strengthen a free and open international order based on the rule of law. He also stated that Japan supports the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), which advocates particularly important principles such as openness, transparency, inclusiveness, and respect for international law.
Regarding North Korea, the prime minister stated that a robust response of the international community toward the complete denuclearization of the country is critical, and also called for continued understanding and cooperation for the immediate resolution of the abductions issue.
At the 19th East Asia Summit (EAS) held on October 11, the prime minister, referring to the East and South China Seas, asserted that any unjust claims of maritime interests and activities that do not align with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea are unacceptable. He also stated that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are important for the region and the international community, and that Japan will continue to maintain close communication with China.
At the 2nd Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Leaders Meeting, Prime Minister Ishiba introduced the fact that more than 120 Memoranda of Understanding and other cooperation initiatives have been signed between Japan and AZEC partner countries since the 1st AZEC Leaders Meeting in December 2023.
In addition, Prime Minister Ishiba appealed for regional cooperation toward decarbonization. As chair of the 2nd Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Leaders Meeting held on October 11, he reaffirmed the importance of the AZEC principles, which consist of pursuing net-zero emissions through various pathways, taking into account each country’s national circumstances, with a view to simultaneously achieving decarbonization, economic growth, and energy security. In the meeting, the leaders of the AZEC partner countries concurred in the Action Plan for Next Decade, which consists of the following three pillars: (1) promoting “AZEC solutions” such as developing rules to promote activities that contribute to decarbonization in Asia; (2) launching initiatives for decarbonization and emission reductions in the sectors with high greenhouse gas emissions; and (3) promoting tangible projects.
