Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha affirmed Asean's intention to further strengthen the bloc's cooperation with Tokyo yesterday.
Thailand ranks as the country coordinator for Asean-Japan Dialogue Relations. Speaking at the 24th Asean-Japan Summit via video conference, Gen Prayut opened the stage to welcome Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to the Asean family.
He also congratulated the country for successfully hosting the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer.
Gen Prayut described yesterday's meeting as a great opportunity for the two sides to exchange views on how to keep advancing the Asean-Japan partnership, which has made strides in recent times. He then delivered the Asean Common Statement.
"Asean and Japan have cultivated friendship and cooperation for nearly five decades, based on mutual trust, and a 'heart-to-heart' and equal partnership. Asean appreciates Japan's continued commitment to promoting durable peace, shared prosperity and sustainable development in the region for the benefit of our peoples," Gen Prayut said.
He said Asean appreciated Japan's support in addressing the Covid-19 pandemic and would like to underline the need to step up collaboration in public health to better prepare the region for future waves of infections and health crises, as well as emerging diseases.
Japan's contribution of US$1 million (33 million baht) to the Covid-19 Asean Response Fund and $50 million for the creation of the Asean Center for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases was also appreciated, he said. Asean looks forward to the earliest establishment and operationalisation of the centre, he noted.
Gen Prayut added that Asean values Japan's continued support for Asean centrality, Asean-centred regional architecture, and Asean-led mechanisms in various fields.
He backed Asean's intention of further strengthening the Asean-Japan Strategic Partnership for greater security, prosperity and sustainability.
The golden jubilee of Asean-Japan relations in 2023 will be a special occasion for both sides to review the achievements made and lessons learned over the past five decades, and chart a future direction for the next half-century, Gen Prayut said.
Asean noted with appreciation Japan's intention to host a special summit in 2023 to commemorate this auspicious occasion, he said. Thailand stands ready to cooperate with all sides to make the milestone celebration a success, he added.
On the same day, Gen Prayut also attended the 1st Asean-Australia Summit via videoconference.
He urged the two sides to cooperate more on public health, the economy and people-to-people connectivity.
He said the summit marked another important milestone in more than 47 years of dialogue. Thailand and Asean stand ready to exchange views on an annual basis to steer this strategic partnership towards a closer and more dynamic and comprehensive partnership, he said.
Gen Prayut said he looked forward to welcoming Australian prime minister Scott Morrison to Thailand as hosts of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) next year, which will mark 70 years of bilateral ties.