25 October 2013 – Senior officials from ASEAN Member States and Japan met in Phnom Penh, Cambodia for the 28th ASEAN-Japan Forum.
Senior officials discussed preparations for the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit to be held in Tokyo, Japan on 14 December 2013 to celebrate 40 years of ASEAN-Japan relations.
They also reviewed the progress of ASEAN-Japan cooperation in the political-security, economic, and socio-cultural fields, and exchanged views on regional and international issues.
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Evan P. Garcia was lead speaker on human rights and democracy, as well as on economic cooperation, which he described as two crucial pillars upon which an even stronger ASEAN-Japan partnership could be built.
Undersecretary Garcia also emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation on maritime security, peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS, the rule of law, and good governance.
Both sides agreed that ASEAN and Japan play an important role, not only in the regional context, but also in the larger, global perspective as long-term partners for peace and prosperity.
Officials looked forward to the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit in December as a milestone to further enhance mutually beneficial and comprehensive relations. END