Greetings from DISG Secretariat
Dear Readers,
As we step into the second month of 2025, our region continued to be filled with numerous dynamic activities, engagements, and events that have further strengthened diplomatic ties and partnerships. In this second volume of the year, we are pleased to present key highlights from the ongoing and fruitful collaboration between ASEAN nations and Japan.
Last month, Japan took part in several significant bilateral and trilateral activities. The “Japan-Thailand Public-Private Automotive Business Forum” in Bangkok underscored not only the strong economic ties and shared goals between the two countries, but also their long-standing partnership, which will serve as a driving force for the next-generation automotive industry. Additionally, summit meetings were held, including the “Japan-U.S.-Philippines” and “Japan-Laos” Summits, where leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation across various sectors.
Including the aforementioned topics, this volume will be covering 4 topics, as follows:
- • Report on “Japan-Thailand Public-Private Automotive Business Forum” in Bangkok
- • Japan-U.S.-Philippines Leaders’ Video Conference
- • Japan-Laos Summit Meeting
- • Signing and Exchange of Notes for Official Security Assistance (OSA) FY2024 project to the Republic of Indonesia
Best regards,
ISHIKAWA Hiroshi
Chair of DISG Task Force
Executive Director, JETRO Singapore
Special Advisor to Minister, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan
Report on “Japan-Thailand Public-Private Automotive Business Forum” in Bangkok
On January 15, 2025, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), the Embassy of Japan in Thailand, and the Bangkok Office of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) jointly held the “Japan-Thailand Public-Private Automotive Business Forum” in Bangkok, the Kingdom of Thailand, as an event to fortify greater Japan-Thailand solidarity through the automotive industry and in preparation for a Japan-Thailand Energy and Industrial Dialogue.
Official Website: click LINK
■ Overview
At the forum, public and private stakeholders from Japan and Thailand’s automobile industry delivered speeches to around 700 participants, both in-person and online. This was followed by panel discussions on four key themes.
Prior to the panel discussions, Mr. Muto Yoji, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, and H.E. Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, Thailand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, each delivered opening remarks via video messages. The ministers emphasized the strong historical ties between Japan and Thailand’s automotive sectors and highlighted the need for deeper cooperation, including the early holding of a Japan-Thailand energy and industrial dialogue, to drive the next-generation automotive industry.
■ Keynote Speeches
Mr. Matsuo Takehiko, Vice-Minister for International Affairs of Japan, and Mr. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General of Thailand’s Board of Investment, delivered keynote speeches representing their respective countries.
In his speech on “Automotive Industry Policy Dealing with GX and DX,” Vice-Minister Matsuo emphasized Japan’s multi-pathway approach to decarbonization, focusing on various solutions such as EVs, FCVs, hybrid vehicles, biofuels, and synthetic fuels. Vice-Minister Matsuo highlighted Japan’s commitment to collaborating with Thailand in co-creating the next-generation automotive industry, particularly in areas like next-generation fuels, data utilization, and the circular economy. He also reaffirmed Japan’s continuation to maintain harmony with Thailand, which is a trusted partner for Japan, and thereby jointly cultivate the future together.
■ Panel Discussions
Stakeholders from the two countries participated in panel discussions and engaged in lively dialogues focusing on the following four themes: [i] the strengths and challenges of Thailand as an Asian automobile production/export hub, [ii] the current status and future prospects of the automotive supply chain, [iii] the circular economy and ecosystem, and [iv] the Next-Generation Vehicles: potential of hydrogen, e-fuel, and biofuel.
- Japan-Thailand Public-Private Automotive Business Forum Held (English) (LINK)
Japan-U.S.-Philippines Leaders’ Video Conference
On January 13, 2025, Mr. Shigeru Ishiba, Prime Minister of Japan held a Japan-U.S.-Philippines Leaders’ video Conference with the Honorable Joseph R. Biden, Jr., President of the United States of America and H.E. Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., President of the Republic of the Philippines. The overview of the meeting is as follows;
The three leaders highlighted progress in Japan-U.S.-Philippines cooperation in areas such as maritime security, economic coercion response, critical infrastructure resilience, and cybersecurity since their first meeting in Washington, DC last April.
The three leaders discussed the current situation in the East and South China Seas, opposing unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force. Prime Minister Ishiba shared insights from his recent visits to Malaysia and Indonesia, where specific maritime security cooperation agreements were reached. The leaders also affirmed the importance of broad international engagement, including the like-minded countries, on the South China Sea issue.
On economic security, the three leaders welcomed developments like the Luzon Economic Corridor and agreed to strengthen collaboration. Prime Minister Ishiba emphasized the need for allies and like-minded countries to establish resilient supply chains and ensure companies can pursue investment confidently. He raised concerns about the acquisition of United States Steel Corporation by Nippon Steel and urged the U.S. to address these concerns.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining and enhancing the momentum of Japan-U.S.-Philippines cooperation and working towards a Free and Open Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law.
- Japan-U.S.-Philippines Leaders’ Video Conference (English) (LINK)
Japan-Laos Summit Meeting
On January 21, 2025, Mr. Shigeru Ishiba, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit meeting with H.E. Mr. Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, who paid an Official Working Visit to Japan. Following the meeting, the two leaders signed a Japan-Laos Joint Statement, witnessed the exchange of cooperation document, gave a joint press release, and attended a working dinner.
Prime Minister Ishiba welcomed Prime Minister Sonexay’s visit to Japan on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of Japan-Laos diplomatic relations and expressed his hope for deepening mutual understanding through various commemorative events. In response, Prime Minister Sonexay expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome during his visit and stated that he was pleased to see bilateral relations developing in a wide range of fields and that he hoped to take this 70th anniversary as an opportunity to further strengthen bilateral relations. The two leaders also concurred in elevating Japan-Laos relations to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” in view of the progress of cooperation between the two countries over the years in various fields.
In the meeting, the two leaders exchanged views for the further future development of bilateral relations under the new partnership. At the outset, both leaders confirmed the establishment of Vice-Ministerial Level Dialogues in both foreign affairs and defense to deepen political dialogue. Moreover, Prime Minister Ishiba stated that Japan would implement cooperation in unleashing the potential of clean power supply capacity, rehabilitation of East-West Economic Corridor, improvement of education quality, disaster prevention and UXO clearance to contribute to Laos’ fiscal stabilization and autonomous quality economic growth. In response, Prime Minister Sonexay expressed his deep appreciation for the past and future cooperation from Japan and the Japanese people.
Additionally, both leaders concurred in strengthening bonds between the younger generations of both countries through youth and regional exchanges. They also confirmed their cooperation for the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. The leaders also reaffirmed the importance of cooperation in the field of investment and tourism. Prime Minister Sonexay stated that the Lao side plans to extend the period of stay for visa exemption from 15 days to 30 days for Japanese ordinary passport holders.
Lastly, on regional issues, the two leaders reaffirmed to work closely together including the situations in the East and South China Seas, North Korea issues including nuclear and missile issues and the abductions issue, the situations in Myanmar, Ukraine and Middle East, and exchanged views on the importance of cooperation on international affairs.
After the meeting, the Signing and Exchange Ceremony, Joint Press Statement were held. The two leaders signed a joint statement agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” and witnessed the exchange of the bilateral cooperation document; “Exchange of Notes concerning the Project for the Improvement of Provincial Teacher Training Centers”. The summit meeting concluded with the two leaders giving a joint press statement. To read the joint statement, click LINK.
- Japan-Laos Summit Meeting and Working Dinner (English) (LINK)
Signing and Exchange of Notes for Official Security Assistance (OSA) FY2024 project to the Republic of Indonesia
On January 10, 2025, in Jakarta, H.E. Mr. Yasushi Masaki, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan, and Air Vice Marshal H. Haris Haryanto, Director General of Defense Strength, Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Indonesia, signed and exchanged notes for 1 billion yen in “Official Security Assistance (OSA)” FY 2024 project.
With its strategic position along vital sea lanes, Indonesia plays a pivotal role in ensuring stability of the Indo-Pacific region. As a Comprehensive Strategic Partner sharing fundamental values and principles, Japan and Indonesia have been promoting cooperation in security and various other areas. Through this initiative, Japan will provide the Indonesian navy with high-speed patrol boats to enhance its monitoring and surveillance capabilities. This project aims to bolster Indonesia’s role as a key archipelagic nation and further strengthen security ties between the two countries.
The notes will take effect on the date of receipt by the Government of Japan of the written notification from the Government of Indonesia about the completion of necessary domestic procedures.
- Signing and Exchange of Notes for Official Security Assistance (OSA) FY2024 project to the Republic of Indonesia (English) (LINK)
Editorial Note
