TOKYO, Japan – Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, in her first remarks after taking office, affirmed Tokyo’s commitment to strengthening security
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.
