Japan Stands With ASEAN On Myanmar, Looks To Deepen FOIP-AOIP Engagement
KUALA LUMPUR, July 7 (Bernama) -- Japan has reaffirmed its full support for ASEAN's central role in addressing the protracted crisis in Myanmar, while expressing readiness to deepen regional cooperation through its Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) strategy aligned with ASEAN's own Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).
Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Noriyuki Shikata said Tokyo remains committed to ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus (5PC) and has maintained diplomatic channels with various stakeholders in Myanmar to ensure dialogue and humanitarian access.
'Japan has been consistently engaged on the Myanmar issue in close coordination with ASEAN, particularly through the Five-Point Consensus.
'While we have our own channels of communication with all stakeholders in Myanmar, we fully support ASEAN's central role and initiatives,' he told Bernama in an exclusive interview recently.
He acknowledged that progress has been slow since the 2021 military coup but stressed that Japan's approach centres on long-term humanitarian and development support for the people of Myanmar.
'We understand the complexity, and while progress has been limited, we hope that under Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, some traction can be made,' Shikata said.
Malaysia has stepped up diplomatic efforts on Myanmar, engaging both the military leadership and the National Unity Government (NUG) in pursuit of an inclusive political solution.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim held separate meetings with representatives from both sides, urging an extended ceasefire to allow humanitarian aid to reach conflict-affected areas.
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