Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has pledged to strengthen cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in the economic and security fields, to pass on what he called a trust-based cooperative relationship to future generations.

Kishida spoke at a special summit in Tokyo to mark 50 years of friendship between Tokyo and ASEAN, which opened with a banquet on Saturday.

Kishida said the core of the relationship between the two sides is mutual trust.

He added that behind the relationship is a history in which Tokyo and the bloc have walked together even in difficult times.

Kishida said Japan hopes to create a strong economy that will produces further vitality, and grow together with ASEAN, by bringing together each country's strengths in the face of crises that may be difficult for countries to resolve on their own.

He expressed his intention to strengthen cooperation through expanded human exchanges, measures against climate change, and support for production of next-generation vehicles.

He stressed the importance of protecting a free and open order based on the rule of law, and pledged promotion of defense exchanges and provision of defense equipment, with China's increasing maritime activities in mind.