Japanese defense minister urges Pacific islands to jointly ensure maritime security

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi urged Pacific island nations Monday to cooperate to ensure maritime security while stressing the need for "free and open" oceans, Kyodo News Agency reported.

"Attempts to change the status quo by force must never be tolerated," Koizumi said in his speech at a Japan-hosted meeting of defense authorities in Tokyo.

He expressed hope to reaffirm their "unwavering commitment to peace."

"The Pacific may, at times, be rough. But if we can build a strong and multilayered network reaching beyond regions, then no matter how fierce the waves may become, the Pacific can and will remain the ocean of peace," Koizumi told the third Japan Pacific Islands Defense Dialogue.

Attending parties included defense chiefs and other officials from island nations in the Pacific and partner countries.

The sides discussed maritime challenges such as navigation freedom, securing sea lanes and fighting climate change and disasters.

Some members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), including Indonesia and the Philippines, were invited for the first time as observers to forum.

Japan also plans to start a program to invite junior and mid-level officials from Pacific island countries who are involved in security policy to Tokyo's Defense Ministry in order to strengthen personnel exchanges.

After the meeting, Koizumi told reporters that cooperation with the island nations is of "great importance" in realizing a "free and open" Indo-Pacific region.