(Press release)
November 2, 2025
Ministry of Defense
On November 2, Defense Minister Koizumi, visiting Malaysia to attend the 12th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus), held a Japan-New Zealand Defense Ministerial Meeting with Minister of Defence of New Zealand, the Hon Judith Collins.
Minister Koizumi noted New Zealand’s intention to replace their naval frigates and agreed to remain in close communication going forward.
The Ministers welcomed the port call by JMSDF destroyers and HMNZS Canterbury in Wellington this August, as well as the fact that joint exercises and other activities have become more active in recent years. They also welcomed the steady progress in coordination towards the development of legal frameworks, such as the Information Security Agreement and Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA).
The Ministers confirmed their intention to continue to cooperate with each other in strengthening cooperation with the Pacific Island countries.
The Ministers concurred in closely working together to further deepen bilateral defense cooperation towards the realization of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.