Indonesia, Japan agree to '2+2' meetings

The foreign ministers of Japan and Indonesia have agreed to hold '2+2' foreign and defence ministerial talks as soon as possible to strengthen the two nations' comprehensive strategic partnership - a move that appears to suggest the two countries are moving to counter Chinese advances into the Pacific.

Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida met with his Indonesian counterpart Marty Natalegawa on the sidelines of a Co-operation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD) meeting held on 1 March in Jakarta.

Kishida outlined Japanese plans to contribute to regional peace and stability based on "proactive pacifism", according to a statement released by Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).

  ♞ Janes