CVN( Japan) The defense ministers of Japan and Indonesia have agreed to set up a working team to flesh out cooperation in defense equipment and technology in light of Japan’s easing of restrictions on the overseas transfer of defense equipment.
Japanese Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro and his Indonesian counterpart Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin met in Jakarta on Monday. The Indonesian minister welcomed Japan’s policy shift.
Japan last month revised its three principles on the overseas transfer of defense equipment and their implementation guidelines.
Rules restricting outbound shipments to five categories such as “rescue” and “transportation” were abolished. The change allows for the transfer of lethal weapons, such as escort vessels and missiles, in principle.
In seeking further coordination, the defense chiefs also confirmed the establishing of a framework for dialogue at three levels — between ministers, between vice-ministers and between chiefs of uniformed personnel.
The two defense ministers also agreed to advance discussions on how to protect information.
They later signed a document saying the two sides will expand cooperation in fields such as maritime security, disaster relief and defense technology.
After the meeting, Koizumi told reporters that Indonesia is a strategically important country that lies on key locations in Japan’s sea lanes. He added the country is an essential partner for strengthening defense cooperation.
Koizumi said he wants to promote bilateral cooperation in defense equipment and technology in a concrete manner.
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