東南アジア5ヵ国を公式訪問中の小泉首相は14日、シンガポールで訪問をしめくくる演説を行ない、日本とASEAN諸国のより緊密な関係を呼びかけた。
Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi called for closer economic and security ties between Japan and Southeast Asian nations Jan. 14.
In a speech delivered in Singapore, Koizumi said relations between Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) should be boosted. He also stressed the need to combat transnational terrorism.
"In the simplest terms, this is what I would like to see Japan and ASEAN accomplish: more prosperity, more peace, more understanding, more trust," Koizumi said.
As the centerpiece of the plan, Koizumi proposed establishing an "Initiative for Japan-ASEAN Comprehensive Economic Partnership." Koizumi's concept would expand relations from the traditional areas of trade and investment to such sectors as science and technology, human resources development and tourism.
Koizumi said a free-trade agreement between Japan and Singapore that was signed between the two countries Jan. 13 could be a model for such efforts. The agreement was the first of its kind signed by Japan.
The agreement between the two countries, expected to take effect around the middle of the year, covers more than 3,800 items and will remove tariffs on 94 percent of Singapore's exports to Japan, up from the current level of 84 percent.
Koizumi had been on a five-nation tour of Southeast Asia, which also took him to the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia