Leaders from Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations will hold a special summit for three days from Saturday in Tokyo. The meeting marks 50 years of friendship.

The summit will begin with a banquet in the evening. Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio is set to deliver a speech.

He plans to stress the importance of maintaining a free and open order based on the rule of law amid an increasingly severe international situation, including China's increased maritime activities.

He will also call for cooperation across a wide range of fields, including the economy, security, human exchanges and climate change.

The prime minister also plans to hold separate talks on the sidelines with some of his counterparts.

The leaders will start the main part of their deliberations on Sunday. Topics include regional issues and global challenges.

They are expected to end the summit with a joint statement.