Japanese Prime Minister: Strengthening security partnership with ASEAN

and defense cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN),

Stressing that regional stability requires closer coordination

and collective efforts to address the growing challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.

Peace and sustainable development

The Prime Minister noted that Japan will continue to work with

its ASEAN partners to ensure freedom of navigation and the security of sea lanes.

And to confront any potential threats that may affect the security of the region or its economic interests,

Emphasizing that security cooperation does not target any particular party,

but rather aims to consolidate peace and sustainable development.

She added that the new Japanese government considers the relationship

with ASEAN a fundamental pillar of its foreign policy.

Building a secure and prosperous future

Pointing out that the next phase will witness joint projects in the fields of cybersecurity,

Counter-terrorism, defense training, and intelligence sharing.

The Prime Minister concluded her remarks by emphasizing

that Japan will remain a reliable partner for Southeast Asian countries.

It seeks to build a secure and prosperous future based on dialogue and mutual respect.