Japan Indonesia to boost security ties -NHK WORLD-JAPAN -8 hours ago
Japan's defense and foreign ministers have signed a deal with their Indonesian counterparts aimed at promoting the transfer of defense equipment and technology. It's part of a wider effort to boost bilateral cooperation in light of China's growing assertiveness.
Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said, "The two-plus -two meeting today is part of efforts to make the strategic partnership more meaningful, not only for our bilateral relation, but also in contributing toward peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
The ministers met in Tokyo for over an hour.
They shared concerns about Beijing's activities at sea, including a new law allowing the Chinese Coast Guard to use weapons. They agreed to enhance cooperation aimed at realizing a free and open Indo-Pacific, and to step up multilateral drills. Japan also agreed to provide more support for Indonesia's own coast-guard capabilities.
The two-plus-two talks touched on a host of other international concerns, including North Korea's recent missile launches. The ministers agreed Pyongyang must fully comply with UN Security Council resolutions.
