Countries & Regions

On October 4, commencing at 11:30 a.m. (local time) for approximately one and a half hours, Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs, on his visit to Bali, Indonesia, to attend the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministerial Meeting, held the Fifth Japan-Indonesia Ministerial-Level Strategic Dialogue with Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr. Marty Natalegawa. An overview of the dialogue is as follows.

 

Minister Kishida stated that in consideration of the fact that this year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, he would like to strengthen relations in all fields and deepen strategic dialogue. Minister Marty welcomed Minister Kishida’s visit to Indonesia and expressed his intention to exchange frank opinions between the two foreign ministers on this important occasion.

 

 (1) Minister Kishida welcomed high-level close communication between the two countries such as the visit to Indonesia by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe last January and Minister Marty’s visit to Japan last February and stated that bilateral relations are progressing steadily in every aspect such as in politics, economy, and culture. In response, Minister Marty expressed his intention to enhance cooperation in each and every one of those fields as well.

(2) Minister Kishida stated that Indonesia, a country having the “capability” and “intention” to contribute to the peace and prosperity of the region, is a special partner for Japan and the two foreign ministers shared views on further strengthening the “strategic partnership” between the two countries.

 (3) Minister Kishida expressed his intention to continue support of infrastructure development in the metropolitan area, including Cilamaya New International Port, and the two foreign ministers shared views that every issue that may arise in the course of cooperation in the field of economy would be resolved through consultation between the two countries whenever they occur. In addition, concerning maritime security, the two foreign ministers shared the view that they would discuss what types of cooperation are available in order to reduce damages from piracy in the waters surrounding Indonesia in the bilateral and multilateral frameworks.

 

(1) On the issue concerning the South China Sea, Minister Kishida stated the basic stance of the Government of Japan that all the concerned countries should respect relevant international laws and should refrain from unilateral actions, and pointed out the importance of unity of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The two ministers confirmed cooperation between the two countries concerning this issue, including responses in the ASEAN-related summit meeting.

(2) Minister Kishida gave an explanation concerning efforts on security policy in Japan including the establishment of the National Security Council (NSC), stating that Japan, as a Proactive Contribution to Peace, would contribute to the peace and stability of regional and international society more actively than ever and that the basis of Japan as a Nation of Peace remain unchanged.

 (3) Concerning the Middle East peace process, the two foreign ministers shared views on continuing to deepen coordination through the Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD). 

(4) Concerning disarmament and non-proliferation, Minister Kishida stated that he emphasized this issue as a foreign minister from Hiroshima Prefecture and gave an explanation on the basic policy of the Government of Japan that it would make efforts to realize a nuclear-free world, though there is a necessity to realistically deal with the nuclear risk that the international society faces, and confirmed that the two countries would enhance cooperation in the relevant forums in the future.