Japan confirms to push forward East Asia Community

PHETCHABURI, 25 October 2009 (NNT) – Spokesperson to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Kazuo Kodama, has confirmed the stance of Japan with ASEAN+3 countries to help push forward the East Asia Community proposal.

Speaking at a press conference at 11.30 hrs today at Sheraton Resort and Spa, Mr Kodama reiterated the Japanese support to the establishment of the East Asia Community in an open and transparent manner. This vision was shared by Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama during the ASEAN+3 Summit yesterday and also mentioned in a press briefing of Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya on behalf of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

The spokesperson also stressed the Japanese cooperation with ASEAN and dialogue partners in many aspects such as economic, public health, education, food and energy security, human rights protection, disaster management, and the climate change. He also supported the announcement of Thailand to push forward the cooperation on education under the ASEAN+3 frameworks.

In addition, Mr Kodama voiced support to the statement of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to support democracy in Myanmar and the roadmap towards a free and fair general election. He also urged the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to follow the denuclearization process and reveal the details of its nuclear project to the world.

Earlier, Foreign Minister Kasit on Saturday reported a positive movement of Myanmar towards democracy according to Myanmar Prime Minister General Thein Sein during the discussion among ASEAN leaders at the 15th ASEAN Summit.

Reference : http://thainews.prd.go.th/