Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru made the commitment during a visit to Jakarta, where he held talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on a range of bilateral issues, according to AFP.
Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru (left) and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto after a meeting at the presidential palace in Bogor, West Java (Indonesia) on January 11
“We have agreed to establish defense consultations on our maritime security, including technical cooperation on defense equipment,” Mr Ishiba was quoted as saying in a joint statement.
“We have also agreed… to provide high-speed patrol boats through Official Security Assistance, this will be the first time we have provided such ships to Indonesia,” Mr. Ishiba emphasized. He added that the two countries have also agreed to cooperate in non-carbon energy sectors, such as geothermal energy and biofuels.
Before arriving in Jakarta, Prime Minister Ishiba held talks in Kuala Lumpur with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, describing strengthening ties with Southeast Asia as “one of the biggest priorities” for Japan. The trip to Malaysia and Indonesia marks Prime Minister Ishiba’s first official state visit since he took office in October 2024.
Prime Minister Ishiba added that the trip helped him realize the “explosive development of the two countries” and reaffirmed his view that Japan and its key ally, the United States, must continue to cooperate with other countries. Southeast Asia.
“Diplomatic engagement in this region is extremely important for Japan as well as for the United States. I want to share an understanding with… (US President-elect Donald) Trump that it is important for Japan and the United States to Working together towards the peace and stability of this region will significantly contribute to the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region and the entire world,” Mr. Ishiba said.
