Japan seeks to strengthen maritime cooperation with Pacific island nations
Tokyo (ANTARA) - Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi on Monday (23/2) called for cooperation with Pacific island nations in ensuring maritime security, emphasising the need for “free and open” oceans, apparently with China in mind.
In his keynote address at a defence authorities’ meeting hosted by Japan in Tokyo, Koizumi stated that “attempts to change the status quo by force must not be tolerated,” whilst expressing hope to reaffirm “their steadfast commitment to peace.”
Defence ministers and other officials from Pacific island nations, as well as partner countries, discussed maritime challenges such as ensuring freedom of navigation, securing sea lanes, and combating climate change and disasters.
Several members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), including Indonesia and the Philippines, were invited for the first time as observers to Japan’s third Pacific Islands Defence Dialogue.
Japan plans to launch a programme inviting junior and mid-level officials from Pacific island nations responsible for shaping security policy to Japan’s Ministry of Defence, as part of efforts to promote personnel exchanges.
“The Pacific Ocean can sometimes be rough. But if we can build a strong, multi-layered network that reaches beyond regions, then no matter how fierce the waves, the Pacific can and will remain an ocean of peace,” Koizumi told the forum.
Koizumi told reporters after the meeting that cooperation with island nations is essential in realising a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
In an earlier meeting that day with Tonga’s Crown Prince Tupouto’a ’Ulukalala, who serves as defence minister, Koizumi said that stable and mutually trusting relations between the two nations, which value freedom, democracy and the rule of law, would contribute to peace and stability in the Pacific region.
He also held separate talks with his counterparts from Fiji and Papua New Guinea, agreeing to draw up memoranda to deepen defence cooperation.
Source: Kyodo