The 40th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM-40) opened in the Philippines on July 30. Under the framework of the meeting, there was a working session among ten ASEAN countries with the three dialogue partners (Japan, China and the Republic of Korea) on July 31.

On the occasion, a Radio the Voice of Vietnam (VOV) reporter in Tokyo interviewed the Japanese Foreign Ministry's press secretary Mitsuo Sakaba on Japan’s plan for cooperation with ASEAN countries at the meeting.

Reporter: At the AMM-40, participating countries have a plan to set up an East Asia community, could you elaborate on Japan’s stand for the plan?

Mr. Mitsuo: The cooperation plan between Japan and other ASEAN countries is one of the priority themes at the meeting. The ASEAN Plus Three (ASEAN+3) Meeting was launched ten years ago and in the previous meetings, participating countries discussed measures to cooperate in economics, culture, trade and agriculture. At the 10th ASEAN+3 Finance Minister's Meeting held in Kyoto in May 2007, Japan pledged to open up a new step in the relationship with ASEAN and the three dialogue partners. In addition, this year, there will be a summit between ASEAN and the three dialogue partners in Singapore. At the summit, Japan and other ASEAN countries will release the second joint statement for a better future in the East Asian region. Japan plans to discuss the content of the joint statement before the 40th AMM meeting.

Reporter: The AMM meeting also discussed security issues in the East Asian region, what is Japan’s view?

Mr. Mitsuo: To build a strong East Asian community, ASEAN countries and the three dialogue partners should map out a common strategy and set up a long-term cooperation plan. First, it is necessary to cooperate in energy, environmental protection and expand cooperation in the fields of economics, investment and trade. The relationship between Japan and other ASEAN countries, especially Vietnam has seen positive development steps. Japan always works for an East Asian community of peace, prosperity and liberalization on trade.

Reporter: At the meeting, does Japan have any concrete plan of operation in Vietnam?

Mr. Mitsuo: At the meeting, in Japan’s plan for cooperation with the three Indochinese countries (Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia), there will be a separate meeting for four countries on the sidelines of the AMM. Japan will provide aid worth US$40 million to the three Indochinese countries. The projects using the aid will also be discussed in detail at the meeting. In addition, as scheduled, summits of the countries in the Sub-Mekong region will be held in Tokyo in 2008. Japan and the three Indochinese countries will discuss the plan with a focus on development projects in the Mekong River Delta in Vietnam.

Reporter: Thank you very much. (CPV/VOV)