Press Releases

On March 4, commencing at 19:00 for 30 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held a telephone talk with the H.E. Ms. Retno L.P. Marsudi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia. The overview of the talk is as follows.

1. The two ministers, following last month, held an in-depth exchange of views on the situation in Myanmar, and concurred that both sides have strong concerns, over the situation where many civilians in protests across Myanmar were injured or killed by the use of force by the Myanmar security apparatus, including the situation yesterday. Minister Motegi once again explained Japan's policy of continuing to strongly urge the Myanmar military to immediately stop violence against civilians, release persons concerned including State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and swiftly restore Myanmar's democratic political system.
2. Furthermore, Minister Motegi appreciated and welcomed Indonesia's initiative to hold the Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting, and ASEAN's efforts to hold dialogues in order to break the deadlock. Foreign Minister Retno mentioned the efforts of ASEAN, touching upon the importance of ensuring the safety of the people of Myanmar and returning to the democratic political process, and explained the results of the Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting held on March 2. The two ministers concurred to continue to work closely on matters relating to the situation in Myanmar.
3. Minister Motegi expressed serious concern with regard to recent moves, including China's Coast Guard Law. The two ministers shared the view on the regional situation, including the East and South China Sea and agreed to continue to coordinate closely.
4. The two ministers also discussed the bilateral cooperation.