Japan’s foreign minister says he wants to promote a rules-based international economic order and cooperation in broad areas, including disaster management and food security, with East and Southeast Asian nations.
A foreign ministerial conference of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, plus Japan, China and South Korea, was held in Malaysia on Thursday.
Participants included Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and South Korean First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo.
Iwaya said the importance and role of ASEAN Plus Three in the international economy has expanded significantly.
But he said the nations face common challenges, such as low birthrates and aging populations, as well as health and disaster management issues. He added that it is crucial to work together to address those challenges.
He also said he wants to work with other nations in the region to promote a rules-based free, fair and open international economic order amid rising tensions over the global economy and international trade.
Iwaya stressed the importance of deepening cooperation in broad areas, including boosting measures against online fraud carried out from certain Southeast Asian nations.