Vietnam has contributed to shaping ASEAN's strategic directions and its centrality: Japanese Ambassador
WVR - Sharing with the World and Vietnam Report about ASEAN and Vietnam's role in ASEAN, Ambassador of Japan to ASEAN KIYA Masahiko emphasized that Vietnam plays a significant role in advancing ASEAN's development goals and fostering partnership relationships.
Latest
 |
| Ambassador of Japan to ASEAN KIYA Masahiko gave an interview with the World and Vietnam Report on February 25. (Photo: Tuan Anh) |
How do you assess ASEAN's central role in promoting peace, stability, and development in the region amid the rapid changes occurring today?
As the divisions and conflicts in the international community worsen and the security environment becomes ever more severe, ASEAN's role as the "keystone" of the Indo-Pacific region is becoming increasingly crucial for peace and prosperity in the entire region.
ASEAN's mechanisms, such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS), provide essential platforms for dialogue and cooperation among member states and external partners. Amid rapid changes, ASEAN's central role remains vital in fostering regional cooperation, addressing transnational issues, and promoting sustainable development.
In a fragmented world, how could ASEAN and Japan collaborate to promote peace and cooperation?
ASEAN and Japan can deepen their collaboration for peace and prosperity through multi-faceted partnerships. Japan is committed to supporting ASEAN integration and strengthening relations with ASEAN countries.
Promoting cooperation in emerging fields such as Green Transformation (GX) and Digital Transformation (DX) will help create a vibrant future together. Additionally, Japan's advocacy for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) aligns with the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), promoting a rules-based order and respect for international law.
Japan's initiatives, such as the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) platform, and the Conference on Cooperation among East Asian countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD), illustrate the potential for global-scale cooperation.
What are your comments on the spirit of solidarity and self-reliance, along with the development goals (such as the ASEAN Community Vision 2045) of ASEAN?
The spirit of solidarity and self-reliance is at the core of ASEAN's identity. Long time ago in 1977, then Prime Minister of Japan Fukuda Takeo, in the famous “Fukuda Doctrine”, already pledged to cooperate positively with ASEAN and its member states in their own efforts to strengthen their solidarity and resilience.
Japan has since supported ASEAN’s spirit of solidarity and development goals, including through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF).
In your opinion, what role does Vietnam play in advancing the development goals and partnership relationships of ASEAN?
Vietnam plays a significant role in advancing ASEAN's development goals and fostering partnership relationships as it has showed in the ASEAN Future Forum. As a proactive member, Vietnam has contributed to shaping ASEAN's strategic directions and strengthening its centrality.
It was under the Chairmanship of Vietnam in 2020 that the Joint Statement of the 23rd ASEAN-Japan Summit on Cooperation on ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) was adopted.
Japan greatly appreciates Vietnam's contribution as country coordinator for Japan at that time. Vietnam's active participation in regional dialogues, economic partnerships, and security frameworks enhances ASEAN's collective efforts in achieving peace, stability, and sustainable development.
Japan continues to cooperate with Vietnam in the region to maintain a free and open international order based on the rule of law under the “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World”.
Multimedia
Infographics Photos Videos E magazine
