The secretary-general of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations hopes to strengthen the bloc's partnership with Japan to better tackle climate change and achieve decarbonization.

NHK spoke with Kao Kim Hourn on Wednesday, during his visit to Tokyo. Japan and ASEAN mark 50 years of ties this year.

As Asia enjoys economic growth, it faces the challenge of curbing carbon dioxide emissions.

Kao expressed readiness to cooperate in combating the environmental effects of climate change, a field in which Japan has expertise. He said the green economy is important, particularly energy transition and clean energy.

In Myanmar, fighting between the military and pro-democracy groups has continued since the coup there in 2021.

ASEAN members agreed on a five-point consensus on Myanmar that year at a meeting attended by Myanmar's Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who led the coup.

It includes a call for an immediate end to the violence and humanitarian assistance. Observers say progress in implementing the document has been slow.

Kao told NHK ASEAN has seen "awesome progress" in the area of humanitarian assistance in Myanmar this year.

He said the group was able to determine that roughly 2 million people need assistance that will cost about 1 billion dollars. He said providing this aid will require support from the international community, including Japan.

He said he hopes that humanitarian assistance to the people of Myanmar will facilitate dialogue with all parties in the country.