July 22th, 2022
Ministry of Defense
From July 17th to 21th 2022, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Defense Iwamoto visited the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Summary of his visit is as follows:
1. Meetings and visitation in the Philippines
(1) On 18th, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Defense Iwamoto paid a courtesy call on Senior Undersecretary and Officer-In-Charge Faustino. During the call, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Iwamoto conveyed a message of congratulations on Senior Undersecretary and Officer-In-Charge Faustino’s appointment as Senior Undersecretary and Officer-In-Charge. Parliamentary Vice-Minister Iwamoto and Senior Undersecretary Faustino exchanged views on regional affairs and confirmed that under the new Philippine administration, they will continue to consider ways to further enhance and facilitate cooperation such as exercises between Japan Self-Defense Forces and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, which were concurred among the four ministers of both countries during the Japan-Philippines Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting (2+2) in April.
(2) On the same day, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Iwamoto held a meeting with GEN Centino, Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines and exchanged views on regional affairs and defense cooperation and exchanges of the two countries including service-to-service cooperation. They welcomed deepened collaboration on the security front through defense equipment and technology cooperation and port calls of JSDF’s ships and aircrafts, and confirmed that they will further promote cooperation such as exercises.
(3) On the same day, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Iwamoto visited Mandirigtas Training Area. Parliamentary Vice-Minister Iwamoto observed life-saving trainings in preparation for a disaster. During the trainings, the life-saving equipment was used, which was provided in last November as part of GOJ’s ODA. JGSDF personnel conducted capacity building with the life-saving equipment in order to give usage instructions.
2. Meetings and visitation in Indonesia
(1) On 19th, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Defense Iwamoto paid a courtesy call on Minister of Defence Prabowo. During the courtesy call, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Iwamoto expressed his gratitude to realize the call following Japan-Indonesia Defense Ministers’ Meeting last month. They exchanged views on regional affairs and confirmed that they will further promote defense cooperation and exchanges
(2) On the same day, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Iwamoto held a meeting with General Andika, Commander of Indonesian National Armed Forces. They exchanged views on regional affairs, and Parliamentary Vice-Minister Iwamoto expressed his hope that the bilateral defense cooperation would be further strengthened, especially through JGSDF ’s participation in Garuda Shield 2022.
(3) On the same day, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Iwamoto visited Kalibata Heroes Cemetery (Taman Makam Pahlawan Nasional Kalibata) where heroes who had contributed to the nation-building of Indonesia were buried. He also visited the tombs of former Japanese soldiers in the cemetery.
3. Meetings and visitation in Malaysia
(1) On the same day, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Iwamoto held a meeting with Deputy Defence Minister Ikmal. They exchanged views on regional affairs and Japan-Malaysia defense cooperation and exchanges. They concurred to further promote defense cooperation and exchanges such as holding MM dialogue early, continuous service to service cooperation including port calls, as well as promoting defense equipment and technology cooperation.
(2) On the same day, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Iwamoto visited the Subang Air Base. He was briefed by the Officer in Charge of the base as well as observing A400 cargo planes.
(3) On the same day, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Iwamoto visited the Japanese Cemetery in Kuala Lumpur and offered flowers. He held a memorial service for those who have contributed to the history of friendship and goodwill between Japan and Malaysia.
