New Phase in ASEAN-Japan Counter-Terrorism Efforts

The Seventh ASEAN-Japan Counter-Terrorism Dialogue (7th AJCT Dialogue) was recently held in Cebu, the Philippines, marked the beginning of the Second Phase of the AJCT Dialogue (2012-2015) and served as a good opportunity for ASEAN Member States and Japan to exchange information on their efforts to combat terrorism. The Meeting reviewed the First Phase of the AJCT Dialogue (2006-2011), and discussed the Second Phase of the AJCT Dialogue.

 

H.E. Ambassador Tamotsu Shinotsuka, Ambassador in Charge of International Cooperation for Countering Terrorism and International Organised Crime and Ambassador in Charge of Cyber Policy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, stated that Japan stands ready to support ASEAN’s efforts in countering terrorism through supporting capacity building initiatives and activities. He has also reiterated Japan’s continued financing for these efforts via the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF).

New project concepts to combat terrorism were also endorsed at the meeting. This demonstrates the continued efforts of ASEAN and Japan in countering terrorism in this new phase.