Japan, ASEAN Agree to Boost Antiterrorism Cooperation

Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Nov. 12 (Jiji Press)--Leaders of Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Wednesday agreed to enhance their cooperation in the fight against terrorism. "Terrorism and transnational crime pose serious threats to peace, stability and economic prosperity of ASEAN, Japan and the Asia-Pacific region as a whole," the leaders said in a joint statement adopted at their meeting in Naypyitaw, the capital of Myanmar. The leaders agreed to enhance cooperation to combat piracy and cybercrime. They also agreed to cooperate in ensuring the safety of the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. The statement also underlined the need for "countering violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism," apparently referring to Islamic State militants. Japan and ASEAN adopted a joint statement in 2004 to cooperate in the fight against international terrorism. To tackle the spread of terrorism, "We renew our commitment to enhance cooperation at bilateral, regional and international levels in preventing, disrupting and combating terrorism," the latest statement said. At the meeting, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said his country will train 700 coast guard personnel from ASEAN members over the next three years to help improve the bloc's maritime security capabilities. Abe also said Japan will train 8,000 people from ASEAN in health and medical fields over the next five years. The Japanese and ASEAN leaders agreed to promote talks on a proposed civil aviation treaty to ease regulations on airlines. In a separate meeting with leaders from five Mekong River countries such as Thailand and Vietnam, Abe said Japan will join the United States in promoting land mine removal and environmental protection in the region. END