Inp.polri.go.id - Tokyo.  In a high-level meeting co-chaired by President Joko "Jokowi"  Widodo and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Japan discussed the importance of promoting a permanent ceasefire in Gaza during the 50th Anniversary Summit of ASEAN-Japan Cooperation in Tokyo on Sunday (17/12/2023). "We discussed the situation in Gaza and the importance of promoting a permanent ceasefire," said President Jokowi during a joint virtual press conference with Prime Minister Kishida. He explained that  ASEAN and Japan have played a crucial role as partners in maintaining peace and stability in the region throughout the 50-year partnership, antaranews.com reported. During the summit, the ASEAN and Japanese leaders called for unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza residents affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict. President Jokowi asserted that ASEAN and Japan remain committed to maintaining peace and stability in the region through inclusive cooperation, respect for international law, and strengthening ASEAN centrality. "ASEAN leaders also appreciated Japan's full support for the implementation and prioritization of the ASEAN Perspective on the Indo-Pacific and welcomed the Japan-China-South Korea Trilateral Mechanism Summit as a manifestation of the habit of dialogue," he said. On the other hand, Kishida reiterated Japan's support for ASEAN, especially in times of division and conflict in various regions and amid the current global crisis. "Based on strong mutual trust, we will overcome new challenges and contribute to regional peace and stability, thus creating a world where everyone can enjoy prosperity and protected human dignity," he said (mg/inp/pr/nm)