Former Japan Prime Minister Fukuda calls on ASEAN to unite and solve challenges

October 1, 2018

Former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda on Monday called on leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to maintain its unity to cope with issues and challenges.

In his keynote speech before the symposium marking the 41st founding of the Fukuda “Heart-To-Heart” Doctrine at the Manila Hotel, Fukuda said Japan will continue to support ASEAN unity and its goals of economic development.

“As long as Japan can contribute in some way to the further progress of ASEAN, we find it deeply gratifying. Japan will continue to support steadfastly the integration and deepening of the ASEAN community in the future,” said the son of  Prime Minister Takeo Fukuda who on August 18, 1977, pronounced the Fukuda Doctrine that served as the blueprint of Japan-ASEAN diplomatic relations.

Fukuda said given the rise of protectionism and the uncertainty of foggy international climate, “it is important that ASEAN unity remains solidly unified in coping with new issues and challenges.”

“ASEAN’s momentum and energy is extraordinary and it is full of possibilities. I believe that ASEAN will continue to overcome numerous challenges in the future, advance its regional integration, and build a solid foundation upon the world stage,” he said.

He said the combined economy of the ASEAN nations, including the Philippines, will likely overtake that of Japan by 2020.

“ASEAN’s economy has grown to account for 3.4 percent of the world economy today in terms of GDP (gross domestic product). It has established itself as the world’s growth center,” he said.

“Let’s aim for a dynamic ASEAN by envisioning its future together with us, and an ASEAN whose contributions extend beyond this region,” he said.

Before the symposium, he led the unveiling of commemorative marker of the historical Fukuda Doctrine.

“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for the great honor of speaking to you on this day, when the memorial plaque of the Fukuda Doctrine announced by my father, Takeo Fukuda, was just installed at this illustrious Manila Hotel,” he said.

The commemorative marker was enshrined at the Heritage Hall of the Manila Hotel.

Manila Hotel chairman Basilio Yap said the Fukuda Doctrine serves as “a beacon light of guidance” to all Southeast Asian countries as it deals with today’s geopolitical realities.

“For over a century, the Manila Hotel has been as witness to history and has in fact been the venue of many historical events that have shaped the country’s destiny – as well as the future of the region,” Yap said in his welcome remarks.

For his part, Japanese Ambassador Koji Haneda extolled the late Takeo Fukuda, saying: “(Fukuda) was fully aware that the relationship should not be solely based on economic benefits but also include mutual commitment to assist an complement each other.”

“The end goal is to utilize all the monetary and technical resources in order to work together with a country like ours, or any country in ASEAN region. All the money and technology in the world is of no value if there is no heart-to-heart relationship,” Haneda added. DMS