The Third Japan-Indonesia Ministerial-Level Strategic Dialogue (Dinner) (Overview)

On Thursday, October 13, during his visit to Indonesia, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Koichiro Gemba held the Third Japan-Indonesia Ministerial-Level Strategic Dialogue with Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia Marty Natalegawa to discuss bilateral relations. A small meeting was first held from 19:30 for about fifteen minutes, after which a dinner hosted by Minister Marty took place from 19:45 for about an hour and twenty-five minutes. The following is an overview of the meeting and dinner. The two Ministers are scheduled to continue their ministerial-level strategic dialogue tomorrow and exchange views on regional and global issues.

1. The meeting of the two Foreign Ministers took place in a cordial and friendly atmosphere. At the beginning of the meeting, Minister Marty welcomed Minister Gemba’s visit to Indonesia, while Minister Gemba expressed his pleasure to visit Indonesia at the Minister’s invitation.
   
   
2. Minister Marty welcomed the third meeting of the ministerial-level strategic dialogue, which is to be held regularly, and said that he would like to continue closer talks with Minister Gemba.
   
   
3. The two Foreign Ministers confirmed their intention to further elevate bilateral relations between Japan and Indonesia, which have influence not only on the two countries but also on the regional and international community. Minister Gemba stated that he wished to strengthen the relations of trust with Minister Marty and deepen the Strategic Partnership between the two countries also in the field of politics and security.
   
   
4. Regarding economic relations, Minister Gemba noted that progress had been made in Indonesia’s Metropolitan Priority Areas (MPAs) project, and that he would like to promote the implementation of concrete projects for infrastructure development. He referred to the project to build a coal-fired power plant in Central Java as a good example of Japanese companies’ participation  and expressed his wish that more such examples be established. In response, Minister Marty expressed his appreciation for the important role that Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) has played in Indonesia’s economic development for many years.
   
   
5. Also in the field of anti-disaster measures, Minister Marty assented to cooperate with Japan, which is better equipped to deal with disasters than any other country, and expressed appreciation for Japan’s immediate support provided to other countries at times of disaster.
   
   
6. Furthermore, both Foreign Ministers concurred to make efforts    for  promoting the acceptance of Indonesian nurse and care worker candidates to Japan. Minister Marty said that he was greatly impressed by Prime Minister Noda’s mention of the dedicated action taken by an Indonesian nurse candidate and trainee after the earthquake, at the beginning of his speech delivered to the recent United Nations General Assembly.
   
   
7. The two Foreign Ministers also confirmed that they would further their cooperation in the areas of politics and security and on renewable energy.