(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
Earlier I held a Defense Ministerial Meeting with Minister of Defence/President-elect of the Republic of Indonesia, H.E. Gen (ret.) Prabowo Subianto. I was able to hold a candid exchange of views and discussion with President-elect Prabowo. At the outset of the meeting, I congratulated President-elect Prabowo and Vice President-elect Gibran Rakabuming Raka on their victory in the recent presidential election, and welcomed the fact that they have visited Japan as one of their first overseas visits after their victory. In addition, we held practical exchanges of views about our bilateral and multilateral defense cooperation and candidly discussed and reached a consensus on the situation in the region. Last year, Japan and Indonesia elevated their bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and I believe that the visit to Japan on this occasion symbolizes the strength of the ties between Japan and Indonesia. I am determined to further strengthen cooperation together with President-elect Prabowo toward the realization of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” based on the rule of law, as both the countries are maritime nations.