(2) Strengthening economic relations for the future
Prime Minister Kishida expressed his willingness to strengthen Japan-Thailand economic ties for the future by promoting cooperation in the areas of economic security including supply chain resilience, and cooperating in the areas of decarbonization through the "Asia Energy Transition Initiative", digital including 5G, smart cities, and healthcare. He also introduced the “Asia Zero Emissions Community” vision. In response, Prime Minister Prayut expressed his commitment to strengthen relations in these areas and hoped for further investment from Japanese companies. The two leaders also shared the view to reflect cooperation in these areas in the "Five-Year Plan for Strategic Economic Partnership between Japan and Thailand," which is currently being formulated.

(3) Response to COVID-19
Prime Minister Kishida stated that the Government of Japan decided to provide a loan of 50 billion yen to support measures to counter COVID-19 and to strengthen quarantine measures at the border by procuring equipment. He hoped that the two countries would be able to overcome the COVID-19 crisis and resume cross-border travel between the two countries. Prime Minister Prayut expressed his gratitude for Japan's support on COVID-19 countermeasures including provision of vaccines and hoped for the early resumption of cross-border travel of Japanese tourists and economic activities.

3. Regional and international affairs

(1) Situation in Ukraine
Prime Minister Kishida stated that Russia's aggression against Ukraine is a clear violation of international law as well as a breach of the UN Charter and is also incompatible with the ASEAN Charter. Then, he mentioned that Japan vehemently condemns such acts and any unilateral change of the status quo by force is absolutely unacceptable. In response, Prime Minister Prayut explained Thailand's position on the situation in Ukraine. The two leaders shared the view that the violation of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force should never be tolerated in any region.The two leaders also concurred to oppose any threat of use or the use of weapons of mass destruction.

Prime Minister Kishida highly appreciated Thailand's decision to provide humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. Prime Minister Prayut expressed his intention to continue providing additional humanitarian assistance, and both Japan and Thailand shared the view that they would work together in this field as well.

(2) Other regional situations
Prime Minister Kishida expressed his strong opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force in the East and South China Seas as well as to any economic coercion. The two leaders also exchanged views on the situation in North Korea, and affirmed that they would continue to cooperate in dealing with North Korea, including on nuclear, missile, and abduction issues. They also had an exchange of views on the situation in Myanmar. Prime Minister Kishida stated that the visit of the Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair to Myanmar in March was the first step toward resolving the situation, and he will continue to back up the ASEAN’s efforts. He also stated that as a Myanmar's neighboring country, Thailand’s support for ASEAN’s efforts was important and hoped that Thailand would play a proactive role in resolving the situation. Prime Minister Prayut explained Thailand's position on the situation in Myanmar including the importance of humanitarian assistance. The two leaders shared the view to continue to work closely together in order to break the deadlock.

(3) Cooperation on the Mekong, ASEAN, and international arenas
Prime Minister Kishida stated that Japanese government has contributed 150 million yen to the ACMECS Development Fund for Mekong-Japan cooperation, and Prime Minister Prayut expressed his gratitude. The two leaders shared the view to continue to work closely together to develop the Mekong region.

Prime Minister Kishida also spoke about Japan’s cooperation with ASEAN, stating that next year will mark the 50th year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation, and that he would like to set guidelines for future ASEAN-Japan cooperation at the special summit in Japan held next year. Prime Minister Prayut stated that as ASEAN Country Coordinator for Japan, Thailand would support Japan's initiative and cooperate with Japan.

In addition, Prime Minister Kishida stated that Japan fully supports Thailand's priorities, including the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economy, for the success of APEC, which Thailand will chair this year. Prime Minister Prayut expressed his gratitude, and both countries shared the view to work closely together for the success of APEC. They also shared the view to cooperate in the areas of UN Security Council reform and nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament.

(Reference) Signed agreements and others

1. Agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand concerning the transfer of defense equipment and technology (English, Japanese)