ASEAN and Japan agreed to strengthen cooperation in education, research and development, as well as digital economy, including cooperation in two priority sectors in the economic and social fields.

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – ASEAN and Japan will continue the commitment to maintaining peace through inclusive collaboration, and respect for international law, as well as strengthening ASEAN centrality, Indonesia’s President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo has said.

“The ASEAN leaders also expressed appreciation for Japan’s full support for the implementation and prioritization of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, and welcomed a plan to conduct the Trilateral Mechanism Summit among Japan, the People’s Republic of China, and South Korea as a habit of dialogue,” the president made the remarks at the ASEAN-Japan 50th Year Commemorative Summit in Tokyo, Sunday (Dec. 17).

President Widodo also said that the 50 years’ partnership between the grouping in Southeast Asia and Japan has fostered trust in the partnership relations, according to the Indonesian Cabinet Secretariat in a written statement as quoted by Indonesia Window on Monday.

“In the spirit of friendship, I believe the ASEAN and Japan partnership can continue to contribute to maintaining stability and peace, bringing people closer together, and driving economic growth in the region and the world,” Widodo explained.

ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and Japan, he added, also agreed to strengthen cooperation in education, research and development, as well as digital economy, including cooperation in two priority sectors in the economic and social fields.

“Accelerating digital transformation through upskilling and reskilling of human capital, as well as increasing digital connectivity, especially for MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises),” the head of state noted.

He likewise hoped that Japan support ASEAN’s Digital Economic Framework Agreement and optimize the use of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), including a fairer and more sustainable energy transition.

Reporting by Indonesia Window