Japan views members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as important partners in its advocacy of a free and open Indo-Pacific and in ensuring a rules-based order in the region.

Talking to the media before leaving Tokyo, Ishiba said he will discuss with Malaysian and Indonesian leaders on the future of this region, security issues and how the realization of a free and open Indo-Pacific will contribute to the peace and security of the international community.

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Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru begins a four-day trip to Malaysia and Indonesia on January 9.

After arriving in Malaysia on January 9, the Japanese leader met with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to discuss security cooperation and efforts to secure stable supply chains. Malaysia is ASEAN Chair this year.

Ishiba will then visit Indonesia, where he and President Prabowo Subianto are expected to agree for Japan to provide high-speed patrol boats, according to Japanese officials.

Indonesia is among nations that receive defense equipment transfers from Japan under a program intended to bolster security ties with like-minded nations.

According to experts, Ishiba's choice of Southeast Asian nations as the destinations for his first overseas trip in 2025 shows the consistency in Japan's policy towards the region.

Source: VNA