Press Conference by the Prime Minister regarding ASEAN-related Summit Meetings

 
 
(Regarding ASEAN-related summit meetings)
 
As you have pointed out, earlier today I attended three Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) -related summit meetings by video conference: an ASEAN Summit Meeting, an ASEAN Plus Three (Japan-China-Republic of Korea) Summit Meeting and an East Asia Summit (EAS) Meeting. In the series of meetings, I explained Japan's resolute stance on urgent regional situations, such as developments in the East and South China Seas, North Korean issues including the abduction of Japanese nationals and those concerning Myanmar. I also referred to the human rights situation in Hong Kong and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, as well as the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
 
The ASEAN member nations expressed their gratitude for Japan's assistance for vaccines and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, with many highly praising Japan's leadership.　
 
2023 will mark the 50th Anniversary of Friendship and Cooperation with ASEAN, and on that occasion, we will welcome the ASEAN leaders to Japan. I myself will actively engage in summit diplomacy and further deepen our strategic cooperation with ASEAN with a view to achieving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.