Major Japanese newspapers, including Asashi and Yomiuri, reported that Shinzo Abe would make a tour of Southeast Asian nations, though he earlier said he would select the US as his first stopover in his overseas tour.
It's important to strengthen cooperation with ASEAN member countries to ensure peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region, said Suga.
Observers say Japan wants to tighten economic ties with all 10 Southeast Asian countries to counter-balance China’s growing influence in the region.
Suga said that Tokyo will continue negotiations with Washington to rearrange Abe’s visit to strengthen Japan’s alliance with the US.