Japan-Indonesia Relations

On June 25 (Monday), commencing at 10:30 a.m. (local time) for approximately one hour and 35 minutes, Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs, who is currently visiting Indonesia, held a foreign ministers' meeting with H.E. Ms. Retno L.P. Marsudi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia. The overview of the meeting is as follows. Note that for the first 40 minutes of the meeting a small group meeting was held. 

Furthermore, after the meeting ended, Masafumi Ishii, Ambassador of Japan to Indonesia, and H.E. Mr. Desra Percaya, Director-General of Asia Pacific and African Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia signed an exchange of notes concerning the grant aid "The Programme for the Development of Fisheries Sector in Outer Islands" for Indonesia in the presence of the two foreign ministers.

1. Minister Kono stated that he feels overjoyed to be able to visit Indonesia and expressed his condolences to the victims of the shipwrecking in Lake Toba last week. Furthermore, Minister Kono congratulated Indonesia on its recent election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, and stated that this year, the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, many commemorative events are being implemented by the two countries, and he wanted to continue to work together in celebrating the 60th anniversary of Japan-Indonesia diplomatic relations. In response, Foreign Minister Retno welcomed the visit of Minister Kono to Indonesia, positioned this meeting as the Sixth Indonesia-Japan Strategic Dialogue, and stated that she intended to work together with Minister Kono to further develop bilateral relations. 
2. The two ministers confirmed that they will continue their bilateral cooperation in fields such as politics and security, cooperation for economic prosperity, and exchanges and education. Furthermore, Minister Kono explained his policy of enhancing cooperation under the "Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy" and Foreign Minister Retno welcomed this. 
3. The two ministers exchanged views on regional affairs, including the North Korea issue and the South China Sea. Regarding the North Korea issue, Minister Kono explained that it is necessary to urge North Korea to take concrete actions based on the outcomes of the U.S.-North Korea Summit Meeting, and the two ministers agreed that they continue to strictly implement the UN Security Council resolutions. Furthermore, Minister Kono sought the understanding and cooperation of Minister Retno for early resolution of the abductions issue.