PH Underscores Partnership for Peace, Security with Japan During 37th ASEAN-Japan Forum
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro joins ASEAN and Japan’s SOM Leaders and representatives, and ASEAN’s Deputy Secretary-General for ASEAN Political-Security Community for the 37th ASEAN-Japan Forum. (Photo courtesy of DFA-ASEAN)
PASAY CITY, 27 June 2022 – Foreign Affairs Acting Undersecretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, Philippine Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) Leader, reaffirmed Philippine commitment to the strong partnership between ASEAN and Japan in the maintenance of regional peace and security in her intervention at the 37th ASEAN-Japan Forum held virtually on 20 June 2022.
“As strategic partners and key pillars in the rapidly evolving regional security architecture, we look forward to further cooperation between ASEAN and Japan in order to maintain regional peace and stability, ensure safety, and protect the well-being of our peoples,” Acting Undersecretary Lazaro stated.
Leading the discussions on the topic Partners for Peace and Security, she reiterated Philippine commitment to ASEAN-Japan initiatives including maritime cooperation and addressing security concerns such as transnational crimes and terrorism. She looked forward to the ASEAN-Japan Counter-Terrorism Dialogue in December, which will be an opportunity to discuss practical and strategic cooperation in counter-terrorism.
Acting Undersecretary Lazaro thanked Japan for its strong economic engagement and development assistance to ASEAN, including its pledge of about one trillion yen for 2017-2022 for infrastructure and development flagship projects.
A number of other topics were also discussed including economic and socio-cultural cooperation, regional and international issues, developments in ASEAN and Japan, and the progress of the implementation of the Revised Implementation Plan of the Vision Statement on ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation.
Further, the Senior Officials welcomed Japan’s initiatives in building bridges of understanding and friendship between the youths of ASEAN and Japan through educational and cultural programs including the Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS), the Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program (SSEAYP) programme, and the inter-university exchange project.
The Forum noted that 2023 will mark the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation. END