Japan FM to present Power Asia initiative at ASEAN meetings

Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi will travel to the Philippines from July 21 to 24 to attend a series of ASEAN ministerial meetings, where he is expected to outline a new financial support initiative aimed at bolstering energy security in Asia.

According to Japan’s Foreign Ministry, cited by Japanese media, the visit is intended to deepen cooperation under the “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” framework, Tokyo’s strategic vision for regional stability and economic integration.

Motegi is set to present Japan’s Power Asia programme during a Japan–ASEAN ministerial session. The initiative is designed to help ensure stable oil supplies to Asian economies amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

Diplomatic attention is also likely to focus on a potential meeting between Motegi and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, should the Chinese official attend the gatherings, as relations between Tokyo and Beijing remain strained.

Separately, Motegi will co-chair a ministerial meeting of the Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD), where participants are expected to discuss measures to support the Palestinian population.

By Tamilla Hasanova