(VOVworld) – Japan's Defense Minister Akinori Eto met Wednesday with defense ministers from ASEAN in Bagan city, Myanmar, to boost security ties between Japan and ASEAN.

Japan's Defense Minister Akinori Eto (Right) wants to enhance defense cooperation with ASEAN. (Photo: english.kyodonews.jp)

Eto spoke of cooperation in maritime security, humanitarian aid, and disaster relief. He said no country can maintain peace alone and that Japan is ready to provide equipment and technology for security-related programs in ASEAN countries.
With Wednesday's meeting, Japan became the third country to hold multilateral defense talks with ASEAN members, after the United States and China.