The Japanese Prime Minister began a four-day trip to Malaysia and Indonesia on Thursday, sitting with his leaders as Tokyo aims to strengthen economic and security with Southeast Asian countries.
Japan sees members of the Association of Southeast Asian Countries as key partners in ensuring a free and open defense of the Indo-Pacific and a rule-based order in areas with China’s growing influence.
The trip marks the first time that Isba, who became Japan’s prime minister in October, will travel abroad just for the bilateral summit.
The Japanese Prime Minister is Isba Island Prime Minister (C) and his wife Yoshiko will arrive at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on January 9th, 2025 (Kyoda)
“I will discuss (with leaders of Malaysia and Indonesia) the future of the region, security issues, and how realizing a free and open Indo-Pacific will contribute to peace and security in the international community. I plan to spend some time on this,” he told reporters before leaving Tokyo’s Haneda Airport.
“At a time when the global environment is becoming increasingly uncertain, we are becoming more important than ever,” he said.
Isba arrived in Malaysia, a country close to major shipping lanes on Thursday, the day before meeting Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, to discuss security cooperation and efforts to ensure a stable supply chain. Malaysia is this year’s ASEAN chair.
Isba will then visit Indonesia, and he and President Prabobo Subaint are expected to agree for Japan on Saturday to provide high-speed patrol boats, according to Japanese officials.
Indonesia is one of the countries that receives defence equipment transfers from Japan under a program aimed at strengthening security ties with like-minded countries.
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