The relationship between Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations should encompass political, security and cultural cooperation, as well as economic concerns, a senior ASEAN official said Monday in Tokyo.
Although Japan and ASEAN have focused on forging economic and technical ties over the last 30 years, they should also work together, for example, to counter international terrorism and promote student exchange, said ASEAN Secretary General Ong Keng Yong.
Ong was delivering the keynote speech at the 11th Japan-ASEAN Forum on Economy and Culture, organized by the International Friendship Exchange Council and cosponsored by The Japan Times.