"We are aware of the recent development in Myanmar particularly the release of significant numbers of political prisoners and the holding of election. We expect this positive situation can be maintained in the future," Masaru said.
He added the Japan government had planned to extend assistance to Myanmar to support the country`s reformation efforts.
Earlier on Thursday (Nov 17), Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa said ASEAN leaders had officially approved Myanmar`s proposal to be chairman in 2014.
"During the 19th ASEAN Summit today, our leaders, after receiving a recommendation from the foreign ministers, finally approved Myanmar`s proposal to be chairman in 2014," the minister said.
Marty said ASEAN leaders expressed positive views on developments that had taken place in Myanmar during the past few months such as the release of political prisoners and improvements in the democratization process.
The minister said the ASEAN leaders also emphasized the need for Myanmar to maintain the momentum and asked the Myanmar government to ensure the continuity of the democratization process.
According to the chairmanship rotation schedule, Myanmar will become the ASEAN Chair in 2015, and Laos in 2014.
But the Myanmarese government has talked to the Laos government to exchange their chairmanship schedule. (*)
Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
