(Press Release)
February 3, 2023
Japan Ministry of Defense
On February 3, 2023, State Defense Minister INO held a meeting with Deputy Minister of Defence Brunei Darussalam, the Honorable Brigadier General (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Abdul Razak bin Haji Abd. Kadir, and a signing ceremony for a “Memorandum of Cooperation between the Ministry of Defense of Japan and the Ministry of Defence of Brunei Darussalam on Defense Cooperation and Exchanges.” A summary of the event is as follows:
1 At the outset of the meeting, State Minister INO welcomed Deputy Minister Dato Razak’s inaugural official visit to Japan, and Deputy Minister Dato Razak conveyed his appreciation to the JMOD for their support to realize his visit.
2 The Ministers exchanged views on bilateral defense cooperation and exchanges. They welcomed the signing of the memorandum and also concurred that Japan and Brunei Darussalam will further promote bilateral defense cooperation and exchanges through initiatives at various levels including a Defense Policy Dialogue, which will be established under the provisions of the memorandum and co-chaired by the Vice-Minister of Defense for International Affairs of Japan and the Permanent Secretary of Defence of Brunei Darussalam, port visits and bilateral exercises.
3 The Ministers exchanged views on regional and international security issues, including Ukraine, the East and South China Sea, and Myanmar. State Minister INO introduced Japan’s new “National Security Strategy,” “National Defense Strategy,” and “Defense Buildup Program,” which were newly formulated at the end of last year. He also touched on the enhancement of collaboration with like-minded countries and other partners, which was specified in National Defense Strategy. Deputy Minister Dato Razak expressed his appreciation for the explanation and for furthering his understanding about Japan’s initiatives.
4 The Ministers resolved to maintain close communications between their respective defense authorities and to actively promote defense cooperation and exchanges.