The Asean-Japan Commemorative Summit to mark the 40th anniversary of the Asean-Japan Dialogue relations, which ended in Tokyo today, adopted and passed four areas of partnership that will chart the future direction of Asean-Japan relations, said Najib Abdul Razak said.

The prime minister, who described the summit as successful, said the four areas agreed upon by the leaders and contained in a Vision Statement were about Partners for Peace and Stability, Partners for Prosperity, Partners for Quality of Life, and Heart-to Heart Partners.

"The summit outlined the future direction of Japan as a partner of Asean.... equal partner with Asean based on an important document that we adopted and passed at the summit," Najib told the Malaysian media at the New Otani Hotel in the Japanese capital.

The prime minister said that the summit also adopted today a plan of action based on the 'Vision Statement on Asean-Japan Friendship and Cooperation - Shared Vision, Shared Identity, Shared Future', which contained the four areas of partnership.

Resolving disputes by peaceful means

Najib said in the area on Partnership for Peace and Stability, the leaders reaffirmed their enhanced commitment for the maintenance of peace, security and stability, which was in the regional and global interests.

Among others, it also strengthened cooperation in resolving disputes by peaceful means, including through dialogues and consultations, renunciation of the threat or use of force in accordance with universally-recognised principles of international law.

Najib said this area of cooperation was also about strengthening cooperation on disaster management, United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, non-proliferation and disarmament, counter-terrorism, transnational crime and maritime security.

"I consider this to be comprehensive... encompassing security and cooperation to ensure stability, including resolving any problem through negotiations without imposing pressure, as well as maritime safety," he said.

On the area of Partners for Prosperity, Najib said this took into account the Asean-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and the implementation of the Asean-Japan 10-year Strategic Economic Cooperation Roadmap.

Besides that, this area of cooperation also stated supporting efforts to enhance Asean Connectivity and a wider regional connectivity, as well as the utilisation of enhanced connectivity by business sectors, further promoting sustainable economic development and continuing cooperation to narrow the development gap in the region.

"This also takes into account the Services and Investment chapter in the Asean Free Trade Agreement, which will be endorsed soon. This partnership also takes into consideration Japan's support and contribution in the aspect of the Asean Connectivity Master Plan and the cooperation that Japan can contribute in the field of SMEs (small and medium entreprises)," the prime minister said.

Cooperation in cyber security

Another key point in this partnership was on strengthening cooperation in air and maritime linkages between Asean and Japan in the region as well as ensuring freedom and safety of navigation and overflight, in accordance with the universally recognised principles of international law.

Touching on the Partnership for Quality of Life, Najib said this had been made an important chapter in the Vision Statement. 

He said the leaders were committed to promoting human resource development and overcoming socio-economic and environmental issues by, among others, promoting cooperation in science, technology and innovation, information and communications technology and cyber security.

Partnership in this area, Najib added, included enhancing cooperation to eradicate poverty and tackling challenges arising from climate change, disasters, urbanisation and the aging population.

- Bernama