The Japanese Foreign Ministry (MOFA) has issued its diplomatic blue book 2010, stressing that “ Japan attaches particular importance to ASEAN in its regional cooperation in Asia.”

The book, available at www.mofa.go.jp includes four main parts, namely International Situation and Japanese Diplomacy in 2010; Regional Diplomacy; Japan’s Foreign Policy in Major Global Issues; and Japanese Diplomacy Open to the Public.

Regarding diplomatic policy towards the Asia-Pacific region, the book said the realisation of an Asia-Pacific region that is prosperous, stable and open is indispensable for the peace, security and prosperity of Japan.

“Japan will proactively promote diplomacy vis-a-vis Asia based on the solid Japan-US alliance,” according to the book.

In terms of relations with regional countries, Japan’s MOFA affirmed that bilateral cooperation relationships function as a foundation of such regional cooperation and are a vital pillar of Japanese diplomacy in Asia.

Japan, China and the Republic of Korea will strengthen relations at all levels, including summit and foreign ministerial levels, and promote cooperation in areas such as environment, economy and university exchanges by taking advantage of opportunities such as triangle summit meetings, according to the book.

In this book, the Foreign Ministry also stressed the importance of diplomacy that was open to the public, as well as the role of people-to-people diplomacy and support for Japanese citizens and businesses abroad./.