Indonesia, Japan Sign Agreement on Defense Cooperation

Two-plus-two Foreign and Defense Ministers Meeting between Indonesia and Japan in Tokyo city, Japan (30/03/2021) (Photo by: PR of Defense Ministry)

Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno LP Marsudi and Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto paid an honorary visit to the Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga in Tokyo, on Tuesday (30/03/2021).

On the same day, the Japanese and Indonesian Governments inked an agreement on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology. Both countries also agreed to promote bilateral security and defense cooperation.

Prime Minister Suga warmly welcomed this honorary visit and expressed hopes that the signed agreement will be a good foundation for sustainability of security and defense cooperation between the two countries.

On this occasion, the two Indonesian Ministers also conveyed President Joko Widodo’s directive on the importance of sustainable cooperation between both countries, including on the investment sector that has been discussed during Prime Minister Suga’s visit to Indonesia.

According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the honorary visit to Japan has brought beneficial results, such as:

First, through this kind of intensive meeting, it will be easier for Indonesia to measure the implementation of the signed agreements and to follow up on the results of Prime Minister Suga’s visit to Indonesia.

Second, health cooperation is being implemented and both countries agreed to strengthen it because health issues are vital in the future.

Third, Indonesia and Japan are committed to strengthen economic cooperation including investment and to take efforts to overcome challenges in bilateral trade.

Fourth, Indonesia and Japan agreed to strengthen bilateral defense and maritime cooperation.

Fifth, on a discussion about regional and international issues, Minister Retno emphasized that it is important for all countries to enhance cooperation in various areas in order to build global stability, peace, and prosperity.

English translation. Lastly, she added that global cooperation and peace are much needed to fight together the COVID-19 pandemic and rebuild the economy. (PR of Ministry of Defense / PR of Ministry of Foreign Affairs/ AIT/ UN) (AP/MMB)