(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
Today, I have one announcement at the outset. If circumstances permit, I will visit the Philippines from tomorrow, October 28, to October 30, and attend the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) and the 10th ASEAN-Japan Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting. This will be my second time attending these meetings following on from last year. ASEAN is an indispensable partner for realizing a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” and a pivot underpinning peace and prosperity in the region. The ADMM-Plus offers a vital opportunity to exchange candid views with defense ministers and others from the region, including ASEAN member states. At the meeting, I intend to clearly communicate Japan’s determination to realize a region where every country is able to defend itself and choose its own future. To realize such a region, it is essential that each country enhances its ability to respond to challenging circumstances, while respecting ASEAN’s unity and centrality, and contributes to stability across the region. Specifically, I will emphasize the importance of further advancing the initiatives under the ADMM-Plus framework to enhance each country’s ability to defend itself and prevent conflicts before they arise and of continuing dialogue even in the face of crisis. Furthermore, I intend to convey clearly that Japan will contribute proactively to peace and stability in the region and continue to be a sincere and transparent partner. I will also take this opportunity to hold bilateral meetings with various countries, including the U.S., the Philippines, and the Republic of Korea. I expect that there will be opportunities for other exchanges as well. Building on my relationships of trust with my counterparts, I will proactively translate these opportunities for meetings into tangible outcomes in defense cooperation. That concludes my opening remarks.