[Title] CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT OF THE 25TH ASEAN-JAPAN SUMMIT
1. The 25th ASEAN-Japan Summit was held on 12 November 2022 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The Meeting was chaired by Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and attended by ASEAN Member States and H.E. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan. The Secretary-General of ASEAN was also in attendance.
2. We reiterated our support for Cambodia's ASEAN Chairmanship under the theme "ASEAN A.C.T.: Addressing Challenges Together", which reaffirmed ASEAN's commitment to facing our common challenges and to sustaining the dynamism of our collective efforts with a strong sense of togetherness to sustain and continue the momentum of ASEAN's Community-building efforts. We congratulated Cambodia for successfully convening the 55th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and Related Meetings from 31 July to 06 August 2022 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
3. We reiterated our commitment to further strengthening the ASEAN-Japan partnership and cooperation through the effective implementation of the Revised Implementation Plan of the Vision Statement on ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation: Shared Vision, Shared Identity, Shared Future. We also noted with satisfaction the progress in the implementation of the Revised Implementation Plan of the Vision Statement on ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation, in which all action lines have been implemented or are on-going. ASEAN also noted Japan's intention to seriously consider establishing an ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP).
4. We welcomed the endorsement of Japan's proposed Concept Paper on the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of Friendship and Cooperation. We also welcomed the announcement of the official Logo Design and Catchphrase "Golden Friendship, Golden Opportunities". ASEAN looked forward to the convening of the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation in Tokyo, Japan, in 2023. We further looked forward to jointly announcing a new vision for future ASEAN-Japan relations at the Commemorative Summit. We also decided to hold a regular annual ASEAN-Japan Summit in the same year, acknowledging that it would be an important opportunity for their Leaders to exchange views on the outcome document for the Commemorative Summit, and therefore agreed to have both the Commemorative Summit in Tokyo around December 2023 and the regular ASEAN-Japan Summit in the same year. We welcomed the designation of the year 2023 as "The 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation".
5. We welcomed the proposal on "Strengthening ASEAN-Japan Economic Relationship toward ASEAN-Japan 50th Anniversary in 2023" which will include elements of existing cooperation from the "Renewed ASEAN – Japan 10-year Strategic Economic Cooperation Roadmap (2016 – 2025)" and the "ASEAN- Japan Economic Resilience Action Plan". In this regard, we welcomed the Work Plan toward Creating the "Future Design and Action Plan of an Innovative Sustainable ASEAN-Japan Economic Partnership". We noted that the future cooperation may comprise of supply chain resilience, digitalisation, human resources development, and connectivity, amongst others. We also welcomed the proposal of creating the private-sector-led "ASEAN-Japan Economic Co- Creation Vision" in 2023.
6. We underscored the importance of ASEAN-Japan cooperation in mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and in strengthening joint efforts for robust, resilient and sustainable recovery. ASEAN appreciated Japan's provision of COVID-19 vaccines and medical supplies as well as financial support loans to ASEAN Member States both bilaterally and through multilateral mechanisms such as ACT-A and its COVAX, and also its significant contribution to the establishment and its continued support for the full operationalisation of the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED), including dispatch of Japanese health experts at the earliest possible. We welcomed the launching of the Secretariat Office of the ACPHEED on 26 August 2022 at the Bangrak Medical Centre in Bangkok and looked forward to the finalisation of the ACPHEED's establishment agreement as early as possible, and we recognised that the people of ASEAN and Japan would work together to ensure that the ASEAN region's capacity to respond to public health crises becomes resilient. ASEAN also looked forward to Japan's support for other initiatives, including the ASEAN Regional Reserves of Medical Supplies for Public Health Emergencies (RRMS) and the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework (ACRF). We welcomed Japan's support for the implementation of the ASEAN SHIELD initiative to holistically respond to emergencies and disasters. We acknowledged efforts to strengthen the healthcare and welfare system under the Asia Health and Wellbeing Initiative (AHWIN), and noted the launch of Japan's new Global Health Strategy, which aims to strengthen prevention, preparedness, and response for the public health crisis as well as to achieve more resilient, more equitable and more sustainable UHC.
7. We underscored the importance of multilateralism, regionalism and upholding international law in contributing to global and regional peace, stability and prosperity. ASEAN expressed appreciation to Japan for its continued support for ASEAN Centrality in the evolving regional architecture that is open, transparent, inclusive and rules-based and Japan's active participation in ASEAN-led mechanisms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), ASEAN Plus Three (APT), East Asia Summit (EAS), and ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus).
8. ASEAN welcomed Japan's unwavering support for the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and the progress of concrete cooperation projects between ASEAN and Japan, as reflected in the progress report on Japan's Cooperation for the AOIP. We reaffirmed that both the AOIP and Japan's Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) concept share relevant fundamental principles in promoting peace and cooperation. We reaffirmed its commitment to reinforce ASEAN- Japan partnership through enhanced practical cooperation and collaboration in the mainstreamed four priority areas, as outlined in the AOIP and the Joint Statement of the 23rd ASEAN-Japan Summit on Cooperation on the AOIP adopted in 2020.
9. We welcomed defence cooperation between ASEAN and Japan under the "Vientiane Vision 2.0: Japan's Defense Cooperation Initiative with ASEAN", as well as the ADMM-Plus including co-chairing with Viet Nam the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus Experts' Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations (ADMM-Plus EWG on PKO) in the 2021-2024 cycle. We welcomed the successful convening of the ASEAN-Japan Defence Ministers' Informal Meeting on 22 June 2022 in Phnom Penh. We appreciated Japan's continued support to address humanitarian aspect of landmines and explosive remnants of war in the region, including through support in capacity building and the work of ASEAN Regional Mine Action Centre (ARMAC) in Phnom Penh. We welcomed the inaugural launch of Friends of ARMAC (FOA) on 23 September 2021 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, to expand ARMAC's working relationship to deepen regional outreach and enable contributions from relevant stakeholders to humanitarian mine actions.
10. We resolved to continue enhancing cooperation in addressing security issues of common interest and concern, including terrorism maritime security, illicit drug, trafficking, economic security and cybersecurity. We welcomed the efforts of Japan to enhance cooperation on cybersecurity, including through the ASEAN-Japan Cybersecurity Working Group Meeting, ASEAN-Japan Cybersecurity Policy Meeting and the ASEAN-Japan Cybersecurity Capacity Building Centre (AJCCBC) and Industrial control systems cybersecurity training program for ASEAN Member States and other partners.
11. We continued to attach great importance to the economic cooperation between ASEAN and Japan. We also acknowledged the importance of promoting cross- border transfer of information and data by electronic means to harness the opportunities in the digital economy, as well as to strengthen consumer and business trust while respecting both domestic and international legal frameworks. Japan was the third largest trading partner, with two-way merchandise trade amounting to USD 240.2 billion in 2021. Japan was also ASEAN's fourth largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI), with total FDI inflows from Japan, amounting to USD 12 billion in 2021. We recognised the need to further deepen and expand trade and investment, including through the implementation of the renewed ASEAN-Japan 10-Year Strategic Economic Cooperation Roadmap 2016-2025 and the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP) Agreement. We welcomed the entry into-force for all Parties of the First Protocol to Amend the AJCEP Agreement on 1 February 2022. We also reiterated the importance of the full implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement. We reaffirmed our commitment to an open, free, fair, inclusive, transparent, rules- based, and non-discriminatory multilateral trading system centred on the World Trade Organization (WTO). We underscored our commitment to keeping markets open for trade and investment.
12. We noted the activities carried out by the AEM-METI Economic and Industrial Cooperation Committee (AMEICC), the Federation of Japanese Chambers of Commerce and Industry in ASEAN (FJCCIA), the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), the ASEAN-Japan Business Council (AJBC), and the ASEAN-Japan Centre (AJC).
13. We reiterated the need for ASEAN and Japan to further enhance cooperation towards comprehensive recovery. In this regard, we welcomed the progress in the implementation and review of the ASEAN-Japan Economic Resilience Action Plan ("Action Plan") in promoting cooperation towards comprehensive recovery in areas such as supply chain resilience, digital innovation, intellectual property and trade facilitation, as well as the progress in the discussion towards introducing the electronic certificate of origin (CO) data exchange scheme for the AJCEP. We also welcomed the progress in regional financial cooperation under the ASEAN+3 Finance process, including the Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralization (CMIM), ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO), and Asian Bond Markets Initiative (ABMI). We took note of the progress of the new initiative of Financial Digitalization.
14. We commended the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) for its continued research and analysis of key regional economic issues that support economic integration. We welcomed the study by the ERIA on advancing a comprehensive ASEAN-Japan economic partnership in the light of structural reforms, emerging new issues, and the post-COVID-19 growth agenda in ASEAN and Japan. We also acknowledged the contribution of Japan to ERIA, which continued to support ASEAN economic integration agenda and promote effective policy making in the region, including Japan's cooperation toward the realisation of the establishment of the Centre for Digital Innovation and Sustainable Economy in ERIA, and expressed appreciation for Japan's continuous support in strengthening bilateral trade and investment flows and looked forward to stronger cooperation between ASEAN and Japan for the next decades.
15. ASEAN appreciated Japan's continued support and looked forward to concrete cooperation in advancing the implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025 and the Joint Statement of the 22nd ASEAN-Japan Summit on Connectivity, which recognised the importance of enhancing connectivity in the region and developing quality infrastructure in line with international standards, including openness, transparency, economic efficiency in view of lifecycle cost and debt sustainability. We encouraged Japan to explore synergies with the MPAC 2025 in line with the "Connecting the Connectivities" initiative. We looked forward to the conclusion of a more liberal and mutually beneficial ASEAN-Japan Air Services Agreement with a view to enhancing air connectivity between Japan and ASEAN Member States. We welcomed Japan's active and continued support for the ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN), including the publication of the ASEAN Smart City Planning Guidebook, and the convening of the 4th ASEAN-Japan Smart Cities Network High Level Meeting, which will be held in December 2022. We took note of the progress of various cooperation projects and activities under the ASEAN-Japan Transport Partnership (AJTP).
16. We welcomed the successful convening of the ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee (ACCC) Consultations with Dialogue Partners and Other External Partners on Connectivity and the 13th ASEAN Connectivity Symposium: "Enhancing Connectivity Towards an Inclusive, Sustainable and Resilient ASEAN Community Post-2025 Vision", in October 2022, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
17. ASEAN highly appreciated Japan's continued support for ASEAN's integration and Community-building efforts through the implementation of Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Work Plan IV (2021-2025) supported by the Japan- ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF) and encouraged the continued effective implementation of the ASEAN-Japan Technical Cooperation Agreement (TCA). ASEAN encouraged Japan to explore potential areas of cooperation with ASEAN and appreciated ongoing cooperation in various projects and activities, particularly in emerging areas such as digital trade, sustainable economy, sustainable development and prosperity, supply chain resilience, human resource development, sustainable forest management, science and technology, energy transition, and rule of law, amongst others. We took note of Japan's new initiative ‘ASEAN-Japan Midori cooperation plan' to further strengthen cooperation for resilient and sustainable agriculture and food systems in the region. We also welcomed Japan's continued support for the Attachment Programme for Junior Diplomats of Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Viet Nam (CLMV) and Attachment of Officers from CLMV for AEC and ASCC Involvement, both at the ASEAN Secretariat, including additional 5 slots for diplomats from Cambodia to attend the Attachment Programme at the ASEAN Secretariat for a two-month period as a part of building capacity to support Cambodia's ASEAN Chairmanship.
18. ASEAN expressed appreciation for Japan's continued support for people-to- people, sports and cultural exchanges, through various programs, including the Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS), WA Project, Sakura Science Exchange Program, the Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program (SSEAYP), the exchanges through the ASEAN Council of Japan Alumni (ASCOJA), Sport for Tomorrow, ASEAN-Japan Actions on Sports, and ASIA KAKEHASHI Project. We looked forward to further strengthening cooperation on sports through the ASEAN Plus Japan Ministerial Meeting on Sports mechanism as well as on youth development, through the implementation of the ASEAN Work Plan on Sports 2021-2025 and the ASEAN Work Plan on Youth 2021-2025. ASEAN noted with appreciation Japan's contribution in advancing Sustainable Development Goals in the region through the regional programmes on Education for Sustainable Development. We underlined the need to further promote cultural cooperation. ASEAN looked forward to the extension of WA project and other efforts of the Japan Foundation to promote cultural, sports and people-to-people exchanges between Japan and ASEAN Member States in the coming years.
19. We encouraged cooperation on ageing society to ensure that our society benefits where our elderly can lead healthy and productive lifestyles as envisioned by the ASEAN Comprehensive Framework on Care Economy.
20. We appreciated Japan's continued support, through the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Management (AMMDM) Plus Japan and the JAIF, for the implementation of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) Work Programme and the operationalisation of the AHA Centre. We further appreciated Japan's funding of the Disaster Emergency Logistics System for ASEAN (DELSA) regional stockpile and satellite warehouses, which has enabled ASEAN to swiftly respond to disasters in the region even at the height of the pandemic. ASEAN also appreciated Japan's support through the Southeast Asia Disaster Risk Insurance Facility (SEADRIF). We encouraged further collaboration in addressing biodiversity, marine litter, climate change and promoting transition to a resilient climate, clean energy and low-carbon society, the latter under the banner of the ASEAN- Japan Climate Change Action Agenda 2.0, through various fora such as the ASEAN-Japan Dialogue on Environmental Cooperation (AJDEC). ASEAN also welcomed Japan's support for the development of the ASEAN Climate Change Strategic Action Plan 2023-2030 (ACCSAP) to achieve the ASEAN's Climate Vision 2050 and further encouraged Japan's support for the establishment of the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change in Brunei Darussalam. We looked forward to promoting measures to address climate change related issues through Japan's "KUMAMOTO Initiative for water." We further looked forward to expanding practical cooperation on green growth, including through the ASEAN Centre for Sustainable Development Studies and Dialogue (ACSDSD).
21. We took note of Cambodia's idea to establish an ASEAN Green Deal with the aim to gradually transform ASEAN region towards a green future, sustainability, effective use of resources, resilience, and economic competitiveness.
22. We congratulated Cambodia for the successful convening of the 2nd ASEAN Women Leaders' Summit in Phnom Penh on 12 October 2022 in a hybrid format.
23. We affirmed the necessity of adequate financing to support the acceleration of energy transitions in the region for realising sustainable economic growth and addressing climate change through utilising renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies and various low carbon technologies, such as fuel ammonia, hydrogen, and carbon capture utilisation and/or storage (CCU/S)/carbon recycling to complement the utilisation of natural gas/LNG for cleaner energy development, and promoting investment in energy including upstream. We noted Japan's ‘Asia Energy Transition Initiative (AETI)', which includes a wide range of support for energy transitions in Asia, and its steady implementation, such as various financial supports for demonstration projects to introduce technologies and continuous discussion in the "Asia Transition Finance Study Group". We also noted Japan's support for the Southeast Fisheries Development Centre (SEADFEC), especially for combatting IUU (Illegal Unreported and Unregulated) fishing. Japan welcomed initiatives undertaken by ASEAN and Japan to further promote the rule of law, such as the holding of the ASEAN-Japan Special Meeting of Justice Ministers.
24. We firmly believe that durable peace and stability in the region are critical foundations for strengthening the ASEAN-Japan partnership in all dimensions. We are committed to working with all of our external partners, including Japan, in promoting a conducive environment for peace, stability, prosperity, and sustainable development in the region and beyond.
25. We discussed the situation in the South China Sea, during which serious concerns were expressed by some countries on the land reclamations, militarization, activities, serious incidents in the area, which could erode trust and confidence, increased tensions, and may undermine peace, security, and stability in the region. Some countries raised that all activities in the oceans and the seas and maritime claims should be based on the relevant provisions of the 1982 UNCLOS. We reaffirmed the need to pursue peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with the universally recognised principles of international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS. We further reaffirmed the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, security, stability, safety, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea and recognised the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). ASEAN remains committed to the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in its entirety. We noted the progress of the ongoing negotiations and shall continue negotiations towards a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) consistent with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS. We reaffirmed the need to enhance mutual trust and confidence, exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability, and avoid actions that may further complicate the situation. We noted that this year marks the 20th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and also the 40th anniversary of the signing of the 1982 UNCLOS.
26. We reaffirmed the importance of cross-Strait peace and stability and called for a peaceful resolution of the cross-Strait issues. ASEAN Member States reiterated their respective One China Policy. Japan emphasised that its basic positions on Taiwan remains unchanged.
27. We stressed the importance of peaceful dialogue amongst all concerned parties in order to realise lasting peace and stability in the denuclearised Korean Peninsula. We expressed grave concerns over the recent surge in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s intercontinental ballistic missile testing and ballistic missile launches, which are a worrisome development that threatens peace and stability in the region and in the world. We called on the DPRK to fully comply with all relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and reiterated the importance of international efforts to achieve the complete, verifiable, irreversible denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula in a peaceful manner. ASEAN stands ready to play a constructive role, including through utilising ASEAN-led platforms such as the ARF in promoting a conducive atmosphere to peaceful dialogue amongst the concerned parties. We reiterated the importance of addressing the humanitarian concerns of the international community, including the immediate resolution of the abductions issue.
28. We exchanged views on the recent developments in Myanmar and expressed our concerns over the prolonged political crisis in the country, including the execution of four opposition activists. We welcomed the efforts to help address the situation, including visits to Myanmar by Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, in January 2022, and by H.E. Mr. Prak Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia, as the Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair on Myanmar in March and late June to early July 2022. With respect to Myanmar, while there is little progress in the implementation of the ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus (5PC) and the exacerbated situation on the ground in Myanmar, we are committed to assisting the people of Myanmar in finding a peaceful and durable solution to the current crisis. Japan welcomed the endorsement of the ASEAN Leaders' Review and Decision on the Implementation of the Five-Point Consensus at the 41st ASEAN Summit.
29. With regard to the situation in Ukraine, we reaffirmed the need to respect sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity. We reiterated the call for compliance with international law and the United Nations Charter. In this regard, we noted condemnation of aggression against Ukraine and strong opposition to any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force or coercion. Any threat of nuclear weapons would be totally unacceptable, and any use of such weapons must never occur. We also called for the facilitation of safe and unhindered access for humanitarian assistance delivery to those in need in Ukraine, and for the protection of civilians, humanitarian personnel, and persons in vulnerable situations. We underlined the importance of an immediate cessation of hostilities and the creation of an enabling environment for the peaceful resolution of conflict.