Prime Minister Kishida met with Indonesian President-elect Defense Minister Prabowo, who was visiting Japan for the first time after winning the election in February this year, and discussed a wide range of issues including security in order to further strengthen the relationship between the two countries. We agreed to promote cooperation.

The meeting between Prime Minister Kishida and Indonesia's next president, Defense Minister Prabowo, took place for approximately 30 minutes at the Prime Minister's Office starting just after 9 a.m. on the 3rd.



At the outset, Prime Minister Kishida once again congratulated Mr. Prabowo on his election, and said, ``As wonderful partners who share fundamental values ​​and principles, I hope to further advance our cooperation in bilateral relations and regional and international affairs.'' ” he called out.



During the meeting, the two leaders agreed to promote cooperation in a wide range of areas, including security, economy, and disaster prevention, in order to further strengthen the relationship between the two countries.



They also exchanged opinions on trends in the East China Sea and South China Sea, where China is increasing its maritime expansion, as well as North Korea's nuclear and missile development and response to the abduction issue, as well as the situation in Myanmar. We also confirmed that we will cooperate.

Defense Minister Kihara: ``We will strengthen cooperation''

Defense Minister Kihara also met with Defense Minister Prabowo at the Ministry of Defense and agreed to strengthen defense cooperation through joint training and other activities.



The two leaders also exchanged opinions on the regional situation, and Minister Kihara expressed his strong opposition to unilateral changes to the status quo by force and actions that heighten tensions, keeping in mind China's increasing maritime expansion in the South China Sea.



After the meeting, Minister Kihara told reporters, ``As we are fellow maritime nations, we will strengthen cooperation to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law.''