I thank Japanese Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi for his generous offer of "fresh support" to the ASEAN Secretariat, which, he said, is a  "major player in promoting regional cooperation."

Mr. Obuchi made the offer at the meeting of ASEAN heads of government with those of China, Japan and the Republic of Korea this afternoon. He presented it as part of its new program of cooperation with ASEAN.

Mr. Obuchi said Japan will provide full sulpport to the activities of ASEAN and regional cooperation in East Asia and cited as an example the support it will give to the ASEAN Secretariat.

The ASEAN Secretariat looking forward to working with Japanese officials on specific projects for the strengthening of the Secretariat, which is headquartered in Jakarta.

I am gratified by the fact that the program announced by Prime Minister Obuchi today is very much in line with ASEAN's priorities, as prescribed by ASEAN leaders. ASEAN is how emphasizing the strengthening of ASEAN's competitiveness, the acquisition and use of modern technology, the development of human resources, and the provision of social safety nets.

Japan has been a pioneer in providing invaluable assistance to ASEAN since the second ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur in 1977.