Meeting explored follow-up initiatives from Japan visit and ERIA’s role in regional cooperation.
Dr Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), held a one-on-one dinner meeting with Professor Tetsuya Watanabe, President of the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), in Jakarta on 9 November 2026. The discussion focused on potential follow-up initiatives arising from Dr Kao’s recent working visit to Japan and opportunities for ERIA to contribute to advancing cooperation between ASEAN and Japan.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the ASEAN Secretary-General and the ERIA President to exchange views on ways to build on the outcomes and momentum of the recent working visit. Particular attention was given to identifying possible initiatives that could further support the development of ASEAN-Japan relations.
Dr Kao’s recent visit to Japan provided the immediate context for the discussion, with both sides considering potential areas where ERIA could contribute to the continued advancement of cooperation. The institute’s role in supporting ASEAN-Japan engagement was among the key subjects addressed during the dinner meeting.
As an organisation dedicated to research on ASEAN and East Asia, ERIA serves as a platform for policy research and regional economic cooperation. Its potential contributions were discussed in relation to the broader objective of deepening engagement between ASEAN and Japan.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of maintaining the momentum generated by Dr Kao’s working visit to Japan. Building on the outcomes of the visit was identified as an important consideration in pursuing further initiatives under the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The meeting underscored the continued importance of ASEAN-Japan cooperation and the role that research institutions such as ERIA could play in supporting its development. The exchange also provided an opportunity to consider follow-up activities that could contribute to advancing the partnership.
The ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership serves as the framework for cooperation between the two sides. Continued engagement and the exploration of practical initiatives remain relevant to its further development, with ERIA among the institutions considered for potential contributions.
Source: ASEAN
