Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and his wife on a flight to Indonesia. (Source: Kyodo)

The statement was made in a speech at the ASEAN-Indo-Pacific Forum (AIPF) in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Prime Minister Kishida pledged: “We will develop a series of cooperation initiatives in the fields of politics, security, economy, culture and society.”

According to him, Japan will train 5,000 employees in the next three years in six areas, including cyber cooperation. Transport infrastructure projects include the construction of seaports, roads, railways and airports.

In addition, the head of the Japanese government affirmed that the country will support the enhancement of law enforcement capacity at sea through a human resource training program at agencies in charge of coast guard and coast guard forces, as well as providing patrol vessels.

In the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Prime Minister Kishida said Japan will also strengthen supply chain cooperation with Southeast Asia to ensure stable distribution of goods and food security.

Japan is expected to hold a summit with ASEAN leaders next December to celebrate the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations.