Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, met with former Prime Minister of Japan, H.E. Kishida Fumio, in Tokyo on 6 March 2026, on the sidelines of the Symposium on Economic Resilience Strategy for Japan and ASEAN. The meeting underscored the deepening ties between ASEAN and Japan as both sides continue to advance their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
During the meeting, Dr. Kao and former Prime Minister Kishida highlighted the significance of ASEAN-Japan relations and reaffirmed their commitment as trusted partners to advance a substantive, meaningful, and mutually beneficial partnership. Dr. Kao expressed appreciation for Japan's longstanding support for ASEAN Community-building efforts, as well as ASEAN Centrality and unity in the evolving regional architecture.
The meeting comes at a time when ASEAN-Japan relations have reached new heights following the elevation of ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2023. Japan has been one of ASEAN's most important dialogue partners, contributing significantly to the region's economic development through official development assistance, foreign direct investment, and technical cooperation spanning decades.
Japan's engagement with ASEAN has historically focused on economic cooperation, infrastructure development, and human resource development. The country is among the top investors in the ASEAN region, with Japanese companies maintaining a strong manufacturing and services presence across Southeast Asia. The ASEAN-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, which entered into force in 2008, has further facilitated trade and investment flows between the two sides.
The Symposium on Economic Resilience Strategy for Japan and ASEAN, which brought together policymakers, business leaders, and academics, addressed critical issues facing the region including supply chain resilience, energy security, digital transformation, and sustainable economic growth. These discussions are particularly relevant as Southeast Asia navigates global economic uncertainties, geopolitical tensions, and the accelerating transition toward green and digital economies.
Former Prime Minister Kishida, who served as Japan's leader from 2021 to 2024, was instrumental in advancing Japan's engagement with Southeast Asia during his tenure. His administration launched the "Kishida Vision for ASEAN" which emphasized free and open Indo-Pacific cooperation, quality infrastructure investment, and people-to-people exchanges. His continued engagement with ASEAN leadership reflects Japan's consistent foreign policy priority toward the region.
Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, who assumed the role of ASEAN Secretary-General in January 2023, has prioritized strengthening ASEAN's relationships with external partners while maintaining the bloc's centrality in regional affairs. His visit to Japan and participation in the symposium demonstrate ASEAN's commitment to deepening economic cooperation with key dialogue partners.
Looking ahead, ASEAN and Japan are expected to continue working closely on implementing the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with focus areas including trade and investment facilitation, digital economy cooperation, climate change mitigation, maritime security, and connectivity enhancement. The strong foundation of trust and mutual respect between ASEAN and Japan positions both sides well to address emerging challenges and seize new opportunities for cooperation in the years ahead.
Sources: [asean.org]
