Japan-Indonesia Relations

On August 3, commencing at 6 p.m. (local time) for approximately 25 minutes, Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs, who is visiting Singapore to attend Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-related Foreign Ministers' Meetings, 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.

1. At the beginning, Minister Kono expressed his sympathies and condolences regarding the damage caused by the earthquake that struck Lombok Island on July 29, mentioned that Minister Retno was the first runner in the torch relay in Indonesia for the  Asian Games 2018, which will be held in Indonesia this month, and explained that he is praying for the success of the Games. In response, Minister Retno expressed gratitude for the sympathies extended by Japan, and explained that she hopes to continue to strengthen the bilateral relationship. 
2. Minister Kono cited openness, inclusiveness, ASEAN centrality and unity, and the rule of law as among the points that the Indo-Pacific concept being discussed within ASEAN and the "Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy" being promoted by Japan have in common, and expressed his intention to promote collaboration and cooperation in order to realize these common points. 
3. In addition, the two ministers exchanged views on regional and international situations, including North Korea and the South China Sea. With regard to North Korea, Minister Kono explained that it is important for all countries to cooperate in order to realize the complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantlement (CVID) of all weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles of all ranges by North Korea, and he requested Minister Retno's understanding.
4. Ahead of the meeting, Minister Kono and Minister Retno exchanged gifts (Note).