Suga speaks at virtual ASEAN-Japan meeting

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

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

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

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

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