Suga speaks at virtual ASEAN-Japan meeting

Leers and representatives of ASEAN nations held an online summit with China on Thursday to discuss cooperation on topics such as coronavirus pandemic and a free and open Indo-pacific.

This year's summit is being held remotely because of coronavirus pandemic.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc kicked off summit by introducing Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.

In Suga's remark, he praised opening of ASEAN center for infectious disease and expressed willingness to provide assistance.

He also voiced support for ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific.