Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Japan Foreign Minister HAYASHI Yoshimasa on Tuesday met with Kao Kim Hourn, Minister attached to the Prime Minister of Cambodia and the next Secretary-General of ASEAN, and stated that Japan would continue to contribute to ASEAN countries’ economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hayashi expressed his respect for Cambodia’s efforts in successfully hosting November’s ASEAN-related summits and expressed his expectations for the leadership of Minister Kao Kim Hourn, who will assume the office of Secretary-General of ASEAN in 2023.

Hayashi stated that Japan supports the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework and would continue to support the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases.

He also reaffirmed Japan’s support for ASEAN centrality and unity, and noted that Japan was among the first to express support for the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). Cooperation has increased based on a belief in a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).

Minister Kao Kim Hourn expressed his appreciation for Japan’s efforts and expressed his expectation for Japan’s continued cooperation to address regional challenges.

The two ministers looked forward to greater cooperation as they celebrate 50 years of ASEAN-Japan relations in 2023.