Indonesia-Japan increases security cooperation

TOKYO ♼ A bilateral meeting between Indonesian and Japanese leaders produced a plan to increase security cooperation. Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe said that both countries agreed to enhance security cooperation, because condition of regional security in Asia is more difficult today.

He considered Indonesia's attitude reflected in public lectures of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Yudhoyono said that he gave supports and high expectations that Japan could contribute to regional security and stability.

"Yudhoyono conveys his high expectation of Japanese role to maintain peace and stability in the region. He also supports Japanese government policy. I thank you for his supports," Abe said on Friday.

Japan and Indonesia agreed to strengthen their communications through relevant ministries, namely Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Defense. They will create a dialogue together to follow up defense cooperation. Abe also explained that the two countries would also improve economic cooperation, especially trade, investment and infrastructure development.

"We will promote cooperation of Metropolitan Priority Area (MPA) in Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang and Bekasi. Mr Yudhoyono and I will assure each other to ensure this plan goes well," Abe said.

  ♞ Republika