PHNOM PENH: ASEAN member countries are to benefit from a $250-billion loan from Japan to assist with the region’s fight against Covid-19 and its post-pandemic recovery. The announcement was made during Wednesday’s 24th ASEAN-Japan Summit, one of the 11 meetings being attended by Prime Minister Hun Sen this week as part of the 38th and 39th ASEAN Summits.

ASEAN leaders have all welcomed and thanked Japan for announcing the $250 billion loan. It will be allocated for Covid-19 disaster support across the region. This is in addition to Japan’s previous assistance to ASEAN, including the provision of Covid-19 vaccines, $200 million for medical equipment and supplies and its $50 million contribution to the ASEAN Center for Public Health and Disease Emergencies. Japan’s Prime Minister, Kishida Fumio, says his country will continue to support ASEAN.

The loan announcement came in response to a request by ASEAN heads of state for Japan to continue deepening and developing its strategic partnership, while expanding cooperation in all fields, but most especially digitization, the regional economy, cultural development and security. They have also discussed regional issues such as the South China Sea, Myanmar and the Korean Peninsula. Japan has been a dialogue partner of ASEAN for 48 years. Leaders at Wednesday’s summit agreed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the ASEAN-Japan partnership in 2023.

The 24th ASEAN-Japan Summit is just one of a series of events being attended by Prime Minister Hun Sen this week. The Prime Minister is also expected to participate in ASEAN dialogues with leaders from Australia, New Zealand, Russia, the EU and India. The 38th and 39th ASEAN summits come to an end on Thursday afternoon.