In recent years in East Asia, high tensions are sometimes observed over such issues in South China seas and political questions among the countries in the region. On the other hand, however, it is important for us to bear in mind and follow closely those strong moves toward regional cooperation and integration which are in steady progress such as the new stage of ASEAN Community building, the establishment of Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat among Japan, China and the Republic of Korea, and the activities of Jakarta-based ERIA (The Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia ).
　Such regional forums as the NEAT（Second-Track）and East Asia Forum（1.5 Track）are also continuing their activities. At the CEAC, I would like to see our discussions continue to be focused on the analysis of present situation and future prospect of multi-layer structure of regional architecture, paying due attention to various efforts of any significance which are relevant to the eventual goal of East Asia Community.

President
ISHIGAKI Yasuji