ASEAN, JICA FORGE PARTNERSHIP

Jakarta, July 17 (ANTARA) - In a landmark commitment, the ASEAN Secretariat and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have agreed to cooperate as partners in realizing the goal of ASEAN integration including "alleviating poverty and narrowing the development gap within ASEAN".

Dr Sadako Ogata, President of JICA and Dr Surin Pitsuwan, Secretary-General of ASEAN, recently exchanged letters of cooperation to formalize the cooperation, the ASEAN Secretariat's press release made available to ANTARA here Wednesday.

"It is only the beginning of more such regional initiatives which will contribute to the welfare of the people and the strengthening of ASEAN in the global community," said Dr Surin.

He expressed his appreciation to Dr Ogata for her "goodwill and support through the years" and for the "vision she brings to this cooperation".

JICA will post an expert at the ASEAN Secretariat to carry out consultations and to coordinate the joint activities.

Dr Surin reiterated that the ASEAN-JICA cooperation is significant because this will be the first time that JICA is cooperating with a regional organisation on a multilateral level.

JICA will continue its bilateral assistance programme with individual ASEAN countries.