At the event (Photo: asean.org) Speaking at the June 20 event held via videoconference, Hoaffirmed that economic-trade-investment cooperation has always been a keypillar of the ASEAN-Japan partnership, and emphasised a need to expedite aprocess of comprehensive recovery and sustainable growth in the currentdifficult context.
He said ASEAN and Japan should assist each other in implementing cooperative programmes and recovery initiatives, while coordinating policies to bolster trade and investment, stabilise supply chains and promote regional economic connectivity.
He suggested economic-trade-investment cooperation should be geared to contribute toefforts toward inclusive growth as well as even and sustainable developmentacross the region and its sub-regions, including the Mekong sub-region.
The diplomat also highlighted the importance of ensuringpeace, security and stability in the region, including sea areas such as theEast Sea and East China Sea.
He stated it is necessary to reaffirm ASEAN's principledstance on the East Sea; and the determination of the bloc and China to fully implementthe Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the waters (DOC) and successfullybuild a substantive, effective and efficient code of conduct (COC) inaccordance with international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on theLaw of the Sea (UNCLOS).
These will help build the East Sea into an area of peace,cooperation and development, he noted.
The meeting took note of the substantive progress made inASEAN-Japan cooperation over the past one year in the four pillars of peace andstability, prosperity, quality of life, and heart-to-heart partnerships.
ASEAN welcomed Japan’s support for ASEAN Community buildingefforts, and in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, including Japan’s substantialcontribution for the establishment of the ASEAN Centre for Public HealthEmergencies and Emerging Diseases Centre.
ASEAN and Japan also underlined the need to enhancecooperation on peace and stability, trade and connectivity, health security,digital transformation, smart cities, environment protection, sustainabledevelopment and resilience, and people-to-people exchange.
Participating countries agreed that it is necessary toclosely coordinate to ensure a peaceful, secure and stable environment in theregion, including maritime security and safety in the East Sea.
Japan underscored its support for ASEAN's principled stanceon the waters as well as the bloc’s role and efforts in promoting cooperation,dialogue, and trust building in the region and ensuring the full implementationof the DOC and building of the COC in line with international law, includingthe UNCLOS.
Japan also re-affirmed its support for ASEAN's role in promoting dialogue, reconciliation and help for Myanmar to seek solutions to stabilise its situation./.
VNA
