Jakarta (VNA) - Tokyo is committed to investing 50 million USD in the building of the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED), said Japanese Ambassador to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Kiya Masahiko.
In an interview with Indonesia’s national news agency Antara, Kiya said public health is among Japan’s priorities in strengthening cooperation with the bloc.
The diplomat emphasised that the focus is on addressing risks that may arise in all areas, including public health. Although the COVID-19 situation has improved, the pandemic can still occur and countries need to be well prepared, he added.
According to the ambassador, 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the Japan-ASEAN friendship and cooperation, with a commemorative summit slated for December in Tokyo.
Japan hopes ACPHEED will soon be put in operation, he said.
On November 12, 2020, ASEAN leaders announced the establishment of ACPHEED at their 37th Summit. The centre is expected to strengthen the bloc’s regional capabilities to prepare for, prevent, detect and respond to public health emergencies and emerging diseases./.
In an interview with Indonesia’s national news agency Antara, Kiya said public health is among Japan’s priorities in strengthening cooperation with the bloc.
The diplomat emphasised that the focus is on addressing risks that may arise in all areas, including public health. Although the COVID-19 situation has improved, the pandemic can still occur and countries need to be well prepared, he added.
According to the ambassador, 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the Japan-ASEAN friendship and cooperation, with a commemorative summit slated for December in Tokyo.
Japan hopes ACPHEED will soon be put in operation, he said.
On November 12, 2020, ASEAN leaders announced the establishment of ACPHEED at their 37th Summit. The centre is expected to strengthen the bloc’s regional capabilities to prepare for, prevent, detect and respond to public health emergencies and emerging diseases./.
VNA
