Japan-Indonesia Relations
Japan-Indonesia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
September 23, 2021
On September 23, commencing at 3:30 p.m. local time (September 24, 4:30 a.m. Japan Time) for approximately 50 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly, held a Foreign Ministers’ Meeting with H.E. Ms. Retno L.P. Marsudi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- The two Ministers held in-depth discussions regarding the situation in Myanmar. Minister Motegi expressed his expectations for an early visit to Myanmar by ASEAN Special Envoy Erywan, and stated that Japan would fully support his activities and effort of ASEAN, including humanitarian assistance. In response, Minister Retno explained recent developments and ASEAN’s efforts going forward. The two Ministers concurred to continue working in close coordination in response to the situation in Myanmar.
- The two Ministers also exchanged views regarding recent regional affairs, including the East and South China Seas. In this context, Minister Motegi stated that Japan lodged a strong protest against North Korea over the last week’s launches of the ballistic missiles which are in violation of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and that North Korea’s recent nuclear and missile activities pose a threat to the peace and security of Japan, the region, and the international community. Minister Motegi also asked for Minister Retno’s understanding and cooperation for the immediate resolution of the abductions issue .
- Regarding bilateral cooperation, the two Ministers exchanged views on cooperating in the area of infectious disease control. Furthermore, Minister Motegi expressed Japan will steadily continue to cooperate with Indonesia including in the infrastructure sector.
- Indonesia is to hold the G20 presidency in 2022 as well as the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2023, which will mark the 50th anniversary of Japan-ASEAN Friendship and Cooperation. In this regard, the two Ministers confirmed that they will continue to jointly address regional and international issues.