Japan and Sri Lanka Unite for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific

COLOMBO (News 1st); Japan and Sri Lanka held talks to deepen cooperation in advancing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) during a high-level bilateral meeting held on September 30 in Tokyo.

The talks brought together Iwaya Takeshi, Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Vijitha Herath, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, who is accompanying President Anura Kumara Dissanayake as an official guest of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.

Minister Iwaya Takeshi had expressed Japan’s intention to strengthen security cooperation and expand collaboration under the Comprehensive Partnership, building on the long-standing friendship between the two nations.

He highlighted the provision of UAVs for monitoring, surveillance, and disaster relief as the first project under Japan’s Official Security Assistance (OSA) to Sri Lanka.

Reaffirming Japan’s strategic vision, Minister Iwaya Takeshi stressed the importance of maintaining a rules-based international order and reiterated Japan’s commitment to working with Sri Lanka to ensure regional stability and prosperity.

He emphasized that FOIP cooperation would remain a cornerstone of bilateral engagement.

In response, Minister Herath expressed gratitude for Japan’s warm welcome and acknowledged Japan’s support in multiple areas, including debt restructuring. He reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening ties across a wide range of sectors.

The two ministers also exchanged views on regional security issues, including North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs and the abduction issue, with Minister Herath expressing understanding of Japan’s concerns.