Defense Minister Koizumi's Participation in the 9th ASEAN-Japan Defence Ministers' Informal Meeting

The 9th ASEAN-Japan Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting was held in Kuala-Lumpur, Malaysia, at which the Ministers exchanged views about deepening defense cooperation between Japan and ASEAN.

H.E. Malaysian Minister of Defence, Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin opened the meeting by describing Japan as one of the most important countries for ASEAN and expressing his appreciation for the defense cooperation that Kapan has proactively provided to ASEAN.

Minister Koizumi delivered a speech and stated as follows.

The security environment in the Indo-Pacific has never been more severe or complex. Japan and ASEAN form one of the closest and strongest partnerships in the region. The responsibility of our defense authorities to maintain and strengthen peace and stability has never been greater.

To address today’s challenges, we must consistently reaffirm the three fundamental principles we share. First, ASEAN’s Centrality and unity must always be upheld. Second, we must interconnect each country’s voluntary initiatives. Third, we will further strengthen defense cooperation with ASEAN, guided by these principles.

On that basis, I will outline three key points regarding the future Japan-ASEAN defense relations.

First, cooperation in the field of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HA/DR). We must address increasingly severe climate change¬-driven disasters. We will accelerate equipment provision through mechanisms such as Official Security Assistance (OSA), and further strengthen these efforts. Also, we will deepen the integration of Women, Peace and Security (WPS) perspectives into our HA/DR efforts. Japan wishes to seek to co-chair the next HA/DR EWG with Thailand, aiming to build a more resilient region together.

Secondly, maritime cooperation is essential. As a maritime nation, Japan has consistently placed the highest importance on maritime cooperation between Japan and ASEAN. To further deepen the cooperation, Japan will invite South East Asian countries to participate in the Japan Pacific Islands Defense Dialogue (JPIDD), with the aim of forging even stronger cross-regional partnerships. Furthermore, as a co-chair of the Maritime Security EWG with the Philippines, we plan to invite all ADMM-Plus member states to the Joint Cooperation Activity (JCA) at sea.

Third, addressing non-traditional challenges. Non-traditional challenges are not merely risks—they are prime opportunities to deepen our cooperation. We have deepened our cooperation in various areas including cyber or aerospace. Japan aims to co-host a dedicated opportunity for hands-on, expert-level dialogue in collaboration with the Network of ASEAN CBR Defence Experts.

Hand in hand, we are committed to working toward a future Indo-Pacific that is peaceful, stable, and enduringly prosperous.

The Ministers of ASEAN member states expressed appreciation and strong support for Japan to further strengthen cooperation and collaboration in the field of defense. Furthermore, expectations were expressed that Japan and ASEAN will continue to work closely together and play an increasingly important role in promoting peace and stability in the region.