Japan, Indonesia Agree to Boost Defense Equipment Cooperation

Tokyo, Nov. 17 (Jiji Press)–Japan and Indonesia at a so-called two-plus-two meeting in Tokyo on Monday agreed to strengthen their security cooperation, mainly through transfers of defense equipment. The foreign and defense ministers of the two countries also confirmed that they will promote joint drills between Japan’s Self-Defense Forces and the Indonesian military as well as exchanges between defense officials of the nations. It was the first two-plus two meeting between the two nations since Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi took office last month. Japan and Indonesia last held such a meeting about four and a half years ago. Japan’s Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi told a joint press conference after Monday’s meeting that cooperation with Indonesia, which has led the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ efforts on the defense front, contributes to the peace, stability and prosperity of not only Japan but also the whole region. Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi expressed a desire to deepen bilateral security cooperation further. At the meeting, the four ministers agreed to further expand the supply of defense equipment using Japan’s official security assistance framework, under which Tokyo supports like-minded countries. To enhance operational cooperation between the SDF and the Indonesian military, they affirmed their intention to advance discussions among officials concerned on the protection of military information. The ministers also discussed the situation in Asia, including the East China Sea and the South China Sea. They expressed serious concerns over attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force or coercion, apparently with China’s increasing maritime assertiveness in mind. They also exchanged views on North Korea’s nuclear and missile development, and its military cooperation with Russia, which continues to invade Ukraine. From Indonesia, Foreign Minister Sugiono and Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin attended the latest meeting, which was preceded by separate talks between Koizumi and Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, and followed by a working dinner between Motegi and Sugiono. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]