Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, on 6 March 2026, met with former Prime Minister of Japan, H.E. Kishida Fumio, in Tokyo, Japan, on the sidelines of his participation in the Symposium on Economic Resilience Strategy for Japan and ASEAN. During the meeting, Dr. Kao and H.E. Kishida highlighted the significance of ASEAN-Japan relations and the commitments from both sides as trusted partners to advance the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that is substantive, meaningful and mutually beneficial. Dr. Kao expressed appreciation for Japan’s support for ASEAN Community-building efforts as well as ASEAN Centrality and unity and looked forward to the continued strengthening of the ASEAN-Japan friendship and cooperation in the years to come.