ASEAN Highlights Need to Strengthen AOIP-FOIP Cooperation with Japan

ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn has highlighted the shared principles between the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) and their joint implementation with ASEAN.

“Although the AOIP and Japan’s FOIP reflect different strategic approaches and policies, they share fundamental principles,” Kao said in a speech at the ERIA-ASEAN AOIP Lecture in Jakarta on Thursday.

He affirmed that ASEAN’s role remains relevant amidst disruptions that have wide-ranging impacts on energy markets, shipping costs, and supply chains across the region. The ASEAN region, according to Kao, is grappling with geopolitical competition, economic fragmentation, and technological disruptions.

Despite the fact that a single bottleneck can have broad impacts on energy markets, shipping costs, and supply chains throughout ASEAN and beyond, Kao argued that ASEAN remains consistent, relevant, and resilient in facing these disruptions. He explained that dialogue, diplomacy, inclusivity, and cooperation must continue to guide the management of differences, the addressing of vulnerabilities, the advancement of interests, and the strategic strengthening of mutual trust.

This is reflected in the AOIP initiative, which he said has provided a framework that can advance peace and stability through openness, inclusivity, and respect for international law. He believes the Indo-Pacific remains a region of inclusive cooperation. Meanwhile, Japan’s FOIP also plays a vital role in maintaining regional stability.

The convergence of the two initiatives is now reinforced by the Joint Vision Statement on ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation: “Trusted Partners”, along with several implementation plans adopted at the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation. As of June 2026, activities, programmes, and projects covering approximately 81 per cent of the action points in the implementation plan have been carried out.

Kao stated that this achievement represents an accumulation of the substance of the partnership between the two sides and a solid foundation for deepening the synergy between the AOIP and FOIP. He assessed this commitment as crucial as ASEAN and Japan adapt their approaches to a dynamic and evolving strategic landscape.