Japan Prime Minister Supports Indonesia’s OECD Membership
In a historic move, Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has pledged full support for Indonesia’s bid to become a member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The OECD currently consists of 38 member countries from various regions, and Japan, which joined in 1964, is the 21st member and the first from the Asia-Pacific region.
High-Level Meeting in Bogor
The groundbreaking announcement came after a meeting between PM Ishiba and President Prabowo Subianto at the Bogor Presidential Palace in West Java on Saturday, January 11, 2025. PM Ishiba, accompanied by his wife, Yoshiko Ishiba, and a Japanese government delegation, was welcomed with a ceremonial guard of honor and cannon salutes upon their arrival at the palace.
President Prabowo and PM Ishiba held crucial discussions in the president’s office before engaging in bilateral talks with Japanese and Indonesian government officials in the Garuda Room at the Presidential Palace in Bogor.
Agreements and Collaborations
During the meeting, both leaders agreed on several key areas of cooperation. Japan pledged its support for Indonesia’s priority programs, including achieving food and energy self-sufficiency, promoting downstream and industrialization activities, enhancing defense capabilities, and providing free nutritious meals.
“I believe this meeting is a crucial and valuable opportunity to advance the relationship between Japan and Indonesia,” stated PM Ishiba after the talks. He expressed his commitment to deepening the ties between the two nations and extended an invitation to President Prabowo to attend the Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan.
Exciting Future Prospects
PM Ishiba eagerly anticipates welcoming Indonesian guests at the Osaka Expo and looks forward to hosting President Prabowo in Japan. The Expo, scheduled from April 13 to October 13, 2025, promises to showcase cutting-edge technologies across various sectors.
In conclusion, the unwavering support from Japan marks a significant milestone in Indonesia’s quest for OECD membership, signaling a new era of strengthened bilateral relations and promising collaborations between the two nations. As Indonesia moves closer to achieving full OECD membership, the world watches with anticipation as this partnership unfolds new opportunities and horizons for both countries.
