PRIME Minister Shinzo Abe yesterday re-emphasised Japan’s policy of maintaining the door open for dialogue at the political level with China on various issues at the 16th Asean-Japan Summit at the International Convention Centre.

This was disclosed by Miss Kuni Sato, Press Secretary, Director General for Press and Public Diplomacy from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Japan, during a press dinner.

Notwithstanding the open door policy with China, currently no bilateral meetings have been scheduled by Japan and China. Both Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Premier Li Keqiang of China will meet face to face today at the East Asia Summit at the ICC in the capital.

Describing both countries ties, Prime Minister Abe said, “Japan and China have very important bilateral relations and would like to further promote the relations in broader perspective that are mutually beneficial.” And he added, “The door is open for dialogue at the political level.”

Touching on Japan-Asean relations, Abe said the Japan-Asean Commemorative Summit is to take place in Tokyo this December and the government is fully prepared to show the world of the future of Japan-Asean relations and concrete steps toward realising that vision.

He also commended the efforts of Asean in building One Community by 2015 and that Japan would like to help in strengthening connectivity and solve disparities as well as disaster management in Asean.

On the negotiation of trade and investment, he said Japan is now engaged in negotiations with Asean and will continue its efforts to bring an early conclusion to the negotiations.

Also on the agenda were environment and health services where Japan can provide assistance. Japan is also ready to provide help against threats like terrorism and cybercrime. - Borneo Bulletin (10 October 2013)