JAPAN has reaffirmed its intention to strengthen cooperation with ASEAN under the ‘ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific’ (AOIP), with the aim of fostering greater resilience and prosperity across the region.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Tokyo and ASEAN had long enjoyed close ties and deep collaboration across multiple sectors, and Japan remained firmly committed to supporting ASEAN’s Indo-Pacific vision.
“Japan upholds the principles of our Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) policy and has consistently supported the AOIP, which shares the same fundamental values,” Takaichi said at the 28th ASEAN–Japan Summit, chaired by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, on Sunday.
“It is truly encouraging that today we have issued a joint statement with ASEAN leaders reaffirming the synergy between FOIP and AOIP and strengthening our shared commitment to further enhance cooperation between Japan and ASEAN,” she said.
Takaichi noted that next year would mark a decade since former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe first introduced the FOIP strategy in 2016, adding that Japan would take the opportunity to reposition it as a central pillar of its diplomacy.
“We will use this milestone to revitalise FOIP as a key element of Japan’s foreign policy, adapting it to today’s evolving global environment,” she said.
The Japanese leader also expressed appreciation to Anwar for his hospitality and for steering ASEAN’s collective efforts as chair.
In his opening remarks, Anwar congratulated Takaichi on her appointment as Japan’s first female prime minister and welcomed her to her inaugural ASEAN–Japan Summit.
“I am honoured to welcome Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to her first ASEAN–Japan Summit. We extend our warmest congratulations on your assumption of office,” he said.
“ASEAN looks forward to working closely with you to advance our shared vision of innovation, clean energy, and resilient growth. With this spirit, I look forward to hearing the views of my esteemed colleagues as we chart a renewed and forward-looking direction for ASEAN–Japan cooperation,” Anwar added.
He emphasised that the ASEAN–Japan partnership was built on trust, shared values, and decades of collaboration, giving it vast potential for future growth.
Takaichi, who assumed office on Tuesday, is making her first official visit to Kuala Lumpur since taking the post.
During her visit, she is expected to meet Malaysian leaders to explore ways to strengthen cooperation in maritime security, economic resilience, green transition, and humanitarian affairs under the ASEAN framework. - October 26, 2025
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