Minister of Defense Koizumi's Participation in the 23rd IISS Asia Security Summit and Meetings with Defense Ministers
1. Speech at the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue
2. Meetings
Courtesy call to H.E. Mr. To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party and President of Vietnam
On May 29, DM Koizumi paid a courtesy call to H.E. Mr. To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party and President of Vietnam. Both sides welcomed the progress in bilateral cooperation in the field of defense and agreed to further strengthen the “Comprehensive and Strategic Partnership”
Defense Minister Koizumi met with U.S. Senators
On May 29, Defense Minister Koizumi met with U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts and Tammy Duckworth. They reaffirmed the importance of further elevating the Japan-U.S. Alliance at all levels. Minister Koizumi expressed his appreciation for the understanding and support of the U.S. Congress for the Alliance.
Japan-Australia-New Zealand Defense Ministerial Meeting
On May 30, Defense Minister Koizumi held the first trilateral meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence of Australia, the Hon Richard Marles MP and Minister of Defence of New Zealand, the Hon Chris Penk. The Ministers welcomed the fact that Mogami-class frigate JS Kumano, which made port visits to Australia and New Zealand, conducted joint exercises that enhanced cooperation. Defense Minister Koizumi also conveyed that if New Zealand selects upgraded Mogami-class frigate, it could contribute to improving trilateral interoperability and interchangeability.
Speech by U.S. Secretary of War Hegseth
On May 30, Defense Minister Koizumi posed a question following U.S. Secretary of War Hegseth’s speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue. This exchange showcased the close communication between the two leaders and reaffirmed the importance of cooperation with allies and partners.
Japan-UK Defense Ministerial Meeting
On May 30, Defense Minister Koizumi held a meeting with Secretary of State for Defence Healey. They welcomed the steady progress of Japan-UK defense cooperation and confirmed to continue close cooperation to further advance bilateral defense cooperation in broad range of areas including the GCAP.
Japan- New Zealand Defense Ministerial Meeting
On May 30, Defense Minister Koizumi held a meeting with New Zealand Defense Minister the Hon Chris Penk. Defense Minister Koizumi welcomed NZ’s announcement to select upgraded Mogami-class frigate as a candidate to replace the ANZAC-class frigate, and noted continued close cooperation including information sharing. The Ministers also reaffirmed cooperation with Pacific Island countries.
Japan-U.S. Defense Ministerial Meeting
On May 30, Defense Minister Koizumi held a meeting with Secretary of War Hegseth. They concurred to advance the concrete implementation of a wide range of security cooperation, with a sense of urgency and speed, to further strengthen the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. Alliance, thereby elevating the Alliance to further heights.
Japan-ROK Defense Ministerial Meeting
On May 30, Defense Minister Koizumi held a meeting with Minister Ahn of ROK. They concurred on conducting the Japan-ROK humanitarian search and rescue exercise this June, for the first time in approximately 9 years. Two ministers welcomed the active cooperation between defense authorities such as making progress in the coordination to realize Minister Koizumi’s early visit to ROK. They again confirmed the will to continue promoting defense cooperation between Japan-ROK and Japan-U.S.-ROK.
Japan-Singapore Defense Ministerial Meeting
On May 31, Defense Minister Koizumi held a meeting with DM Chan of Singapore. Noting the milestone of the 60th anniversary of Japan-Singapore diplomatic relations, they concurred on further strengthening defense cooperation and exchanges under the upgraded “Strategic Partnership”
Japan-Philippines Defense Ministerial Meeting
On May 31, Defense Minister Koizumi held a meeting with the Philippines Secretary of DND Teodoro. They reached a broad consensus to advance discussion of transferring of Abukuma-class vessels to the Philippines promptly after decommissioning. As the bilateral relationship is elevated to “Comprehensive and Strategic Partnership,” Japan and Philippines will further strengthen defense cooperation and exchanges.