09:47     27 July 2022    

The leaders of Japan and Indonesia have agreed to closely cooperate toward a successful Group of 20 summit scheduled for November in Bali, Indonesia, according to NHK World-Japan.

The leaders of Japan and Indonesia have agreed to closely cooperate toward a successful Group of 20 summit scheduled for November in Bali, Indonesia, according to NHK World-Japan. Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and Indonesian President Joko Widodo met for about an hour in Tokyo on Wednesday. Joko will host the G20 summit as Indonesia holds this year's G20 presidency. At the start of the talks, Kishida said Japan hopes to boost cooperation with Indonesia toward achieving a free and open Indo-Pacific. He added that he hopes that Japan will further strengthen its strategic partnership with Indonesia. Kishida told Joko that Japan is looking at ways to help Indonesia improve its maritime patrol capabilities. He said that may include providing patrol ships. He also told his counterpart that Japan is ready to provide about 43.6 billion yen in loans, or about 318 million dollars, to fund projects in Indonesia, including the building of a hydropower plant. Joko told Kishida that Indonesia had lifted all restrictions on Japanese food imports that followed the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant accident. Kishida welcomed the move, noting that it will greatly encourage people who have suffered from the accident. Kishida told a joint news conference that Japan will further develop bilateral ties as the two countries will mark the 65th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations next year. He also said Japan will contribute to regional and global peace and stability jointly with Indonesia.