2 + 2 Meeting, Indonesia And Japan Reject The Use Of Violence In Myanmar

JAKARTA - Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi and Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto held a 2 + 2 meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi in Tokyo, Japan, Tuesday 30 March.

In a virtual press statement Tuesday evening, Retno Marsudi said the 2 + 2 meeting had long been designed between Japan and Indonesia, to improve bilateral relations between the two countries.

Foreign Minister Retno said, before holding a 2 + 2 meeting, he and Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto first made a courtesy visit to Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.

"The visit to Tokyo yielded good results. First, following up on the previous visit of Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga to Indonesia. Second, cooperation in the health sector between the two countries has also been ongoing and we will continue to strengthen it, because of the importance of health issues in the future. "he said.

"We also have an equally strong commitment from the two countries, to increase economic cooperation, including in the investment sector, as well as efforts to resolve existing trade challenges. Next, we also agree to increase Indonesia's defense and maritime cooperation with Japan. And Fifth, regarding the discussion of regional and international issues, what I emphasize is the importance of all countries to promote cooperation in order to create stability, peace and prosperity, not only in the region but also in the world, "added Retno.

On the same occasion, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi revealed, in her meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, the two countries were concerned about the conditions that occurred in Myanmar. According to him, the two countries agreed to stop violence as soon as possible and start a dialogue of all parties.

"Indonesia strongly rejects the use of violence by security forces which caused the death toll of more than 100 people last March 27. This is unacceptable. The use of force must be stopped, so that there are no casualties. Only through dialogue can Myanmar solve the problem," he explained .

Meanwhile, regarding conditions in the Indo-Pacific, Foreign Minister Retno again conveyed the principles contained in the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. Namely, transparency, openness, inclusiveness and promoting cooperation.

"Rivalry and confrontation will not be ready to benefit either. The Indo-Pacific region must be a peaceful and prosperous region. This can be achieved if cooperation continues to be promoted by all countries, obey international law. ASEAN priorities, establish concrete cooperation with all partners, including Japan, "he concluded.