Press Releases
Foreign Minister Kishida Meets with the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs of Indonesia
On December 21, commencing at 3:10 p.m. for approximately 25 minutes, Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
1. In his opening remarks, Minister Kishida sincerely welcomed Coordinating Minister Luhut to Japan, and expressed his gratitude for the efforts Coordinating Minister Luhut is making to promote the relationship between Japan and Indonesia. Minister Kishida also extended his condolences for the damages caused by an earthquake that had occurred in Aceh Province, and explained that Japan had swiftly provided emergency relief goods. Furthermore, Minister Kishida stated that Japan attaches importance to cooperating with Indonesia in the maritime field, and welcomed the signing of a memorandum on setting up the maritime forum that took place between the two ministers during this visit. Minister Kishida explained that he hopes to deepen discussions with Coordinating Minister Luhut on cooperative projects and other matters in the future.
2. In response, Coordinating Minister Luhut explained that he had been instructed by H.E. Mr. Joko Widodo, President of Indonesia, to discuss various matters in order to make the relationship between the two countries closer, and was therefore accompanied by relevant ministers. Coordinating Minister Luhut noted that both countries are maritime nations, and said that how the signed memorandum is implemented will be important.
3. In addition, the two ministers confirmed that they would continue to coordinate closely on the Patimban new port development project, which is a symbolic project of Japan-Indonesia cooperation. The two ministers also exchanged views on increasing the speed of the northern Java railway.
4. Furthermore, both ministers also exchanged views on other bilateral economic issues and regional affairs, including the South China Sea issue, and shared the view that they would continue to collaborate closely in the future.