Japan to provide $2.1 billion to ASEAN nations

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida joined Southeast Asian leaders at Saturday's ASEAN-Japan summit and announced that Tokyo will provide loans totaling 295 billion to help support the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kishida reiterated his support for the ASEAN outlook for the Indo-Pacific region and proposed further cooperation as Japan and ASEAN mark their half-century ties next year.

He also promised maximum use of Japan's expertise and experience to achieve decarbonization and energy transitions while balancing energy security and sustainable growth across the region.

Kishida also said Japan wants to host a special ASEAN meeting around December 2023 in Tokyo, in addition to an annual meeting, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Japan-ASEAN relations.