TOKYO, Japan — The Japanese government said it is awaiting an official invitation from the Government and the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to be part of the International Contact Group (ICG).

In an interview following a briefing to Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) journalists here, deputy director for Second Southeast Asia Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Kazuhiko Shimizu said the Japanese government has yet to receive an invitation from both parties although there had already been “informal consultations.”

The MILF had earlier expressed its interest of having the Government of Japan be part of the ICG.

“Japan is very much keen on this peace process. We’ll be happy to be involved with this ICG,” Shimizu said, provided that they receive a formal invitation to be involved as part of the International Contact Group.

The Second Southeast Asia Division at the MOFA of which Shimizu is deputy director includes Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Singapore. The other five ASEAN countries is headed by the First Southeast Asia Division deputy director Takuma Sakaguchi.

Shimizu however said that the specific details would have to be made clear by both parties before Japan agrees to be part of the ICG.

“It is not yet clear to us what kind of framework [they have for the ICG]. For now, we are asking the Philippine government and the MILF what are the particulars, the specific details about this framework so that we can hopefully decide,” he said.

But he assured that Japan will continue to assist the Philippine government in the peace and stability in Mindanao, which is among the “focus areas” of the Japanese government in the country aside from sustainable growth for job creation, support to the poor, and improvement of living environment.

“Of course, I believe we will continue to contribute to the peace process,” Shimizu said.

The Japanese government has been a part of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) as part of its development assistance in Mindanao, including the dispatch of two development experts from Japan to assist in the socio-economic development in Mindanao. The IMT monitored the implementation of the ceasefire and development aspect of peace process from 2006 to 2008.