Japanese Prime Minister visited Southeast Asia as first overseas trip

Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru visited Southeast Asia in his first overseas trip this year. Following a summit meeting in Malaysia on 10th January, he met with the Indonesian President on Saturday. 

The aim of Ishiba’s current Asian tour is for it to be a foothold for forging a relationship with the Global South therefore maintaining a balance in the Indo-Pacific region. He also aims to strengthen ties in areas such as economy, energy and security matter.