ASEAN, Japan further enhance defence cooperation
ASEAN and Japanese defence ministers have agreed to further enhance their cooperation on politics, security, economics, and socio-cultural affairs. As a result of positive relations in these areas to date, Japan has become one of the most important dialogue partners and supporters of ASEAN. Lao Minister of Defence Lt. Gen. Chansamone Chanyalath outlined the situation during the ASEAN-Japan Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting, held in Vientiane on November 16. ASEAN-Japan cooperation has constantly expanded since our dialogue relationship was formalised in 1997, he said. In his opening remarks at the meeting, Lt. Gen. Chansamone commended Japan’s efforts in attending the talks with ASEAN defence ministers. This indicated Japan’s strong commitment to partner with ASEAN and to work hand-in-hand with the bloc. In terms of economics, Lt. Gen. Chansamone stressed that Japan remains a very important trading partner for ASEAN. Japan is ASEAN’s second largest trading partner, accounting for 10.2 percent of total trade in ASEAN in 2015.
