New Japanese ambassador to ASEAN, Kimihiro Ishikane (Source:Okezone International)

Kimihiro Ishikane has been appointed as Japan’s new ambassador to ASEAN. At a ceremony to receive Ishikane’s credentials, ASEAN Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan welcomed the ambassador, saying his rich experiences would contribute immensely to strengthening ASEAN-Japan partnership. Mr. Ishikane stressed that ASEAN’s peace and prosperity are directly linked to peace and prosperity of the entire East Asian region, including Japan. He added that Japan will continue to support the building of an ASEAN Community by 2015.