CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE "MAKING JAPAN AND ASEAN STRONGER AND MORE PROSPEROUS TOGETHER" BY PRIME MINISTER TAKAICHI SANAE TO THE MALAYSIAN NEWSPAPERS THE NEW STRAITS TIMES, THE BERITA HARIAN, AND THE SIN CHEW DAILY

TOKYO, Oct. 26 -- Prime Minister and His Cabinet issued the following information:

I extend my heartfelt congratulations on Malaysia's hosting of the ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings. It is my great pleasure to visit Malaysia as my first overseas destination since assuming the office of Prime Minister and to participate in this prestigious event.

This year marks several historic milestones, including the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the ASEAN Community, the adoption of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, and the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the East Asia Summit (EAS). As the heart of the Indo-Pacific region and a global center of growth, ASEAN is becoming increasingly important. I commend Malaysia for promoting regio...