ASEAN on July 7 recognised the importance of cooperation between the regional bloc and the Group of Seven (G7) countries in the field of law and justice, the Cambodian Ministry of Justice said on July 10.
The G7 is made up of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK and the US, along with the EU.
The recognition came at the ASEAN-G7 Justice Ministers’ Interface in Tokyo on July 7, with the opening ceremony presided over by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The Cambodian delegation was led by justice minister Koeut Rith.
“All ASEAN member states support the connection of ASEAN and G7, and recognise the importance of such cooperation in the field of law and justice aiming to foster cooperation in respecting the rule of law, human rights and sovereignty to ensure security, peace, stability and sustainable development,” the bloc said as stated in a justice ministry announcement.
The July 10 statement said the meeting also raised some priority areas to begin with on commencing cooperation between ASEAN and G7.
Members of ASEAN and G7 also welcomed further discussions on cooperation in the field of law and justice, it added.
The meeting supported Japan’s initiative to establish a new forum, the ASEAN-G7 next leaders’ forum, bringing together young government officials from G7 and ASEAN member countries.
Japanese Minister of Justice Saito Ken and Malaysian Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Legal and Institutional Reforms) Azalina Othman Said co-chaired the meeting, with the participation of ASEAN and G7 ministers of law and justice.
ASEAN secretary-general Kao Kim Hourn was also present, as were attorneys-general from the bloc’s member states and the ASEAN Secretariat representing Timor-Leste, an observer member.
A number of relevant international organisations and development partners were also in attendance.
