The Heads of State/Governments of Member Countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Japan gathered today for the 11th ASEAN-Japan Summit.

The Leaders welcomed the successful conclusion of the negotiations for the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP) Agreement and noted with satisfaction that ASEAN Member Countries and Japan have succeeded in rendering the forthcoming Agreement comprehensive, by including such fields as trade in goods, trade in services, investment, and economic cooperation.

The Leaders expressed confidence that the Agreement will provide a strong impetus for further invigoration of trade and investment and create a larger and more efficient market with greater opportunities in this region, thus strengthening the economic ties between ASEAN and Japan.