Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi underlined the need to respect international maritime laws on Friday as he addressed Southeast Asian countries, several of which are involved in territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea.

During his visit to the Asean Secretariat (ASEC) in South Jakarta, Motegi said Japan is eager to strengthen ties with the 10 Asean member countries to give a new momentum for maritime economy.

Motegi also revealed his government’s plan to establish coast guard cooperation with Indonesia.