KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 27 — Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi today emphasised Japan’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), China and South Korea in the areas of financial stability and food security.

According to Kyodo news, Motegi made the remarks while attending the Asean Plus Three Summit (Asean+3) in Kuala Lumpur on behalf of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who left the Malaysian capital late Sunday to return home for United States (US) President Donald Trump’s visit to Japan.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung also attended the meeting under the extended ASEAN framework.

The Asean+3 leaders are expected to issue a joint statement pledging to enhance collaboration to promote economic prosperity, financial stability and sustainable development across the region.

They are also expected to underscore the importance of building sustainable regional supply chains in the joint declaration.

Motegi is scheduled to attend the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) meeting later Monday, as well as the East Asia Summit (EAS), which includes Asean members and major dialogue partners such as the US and China. — Bernama-Kyodo