Singapore, May 30 (QNA) - The defense ministers of Japan, Australia and New Zealand agreed on Saturday to strengthen trilateral cooperation on defense equipment.

Shinjiro Koizumi, Japan's defense minister, said during a meeting with his Australian and New Zealand counterparts, Richard Marles and Chris Penk, held on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, that the gathering marked the first time the three countries had met at the defense minister level.

"This is a very important opportunity to promote prosperity, peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region," Koizumi said.

Japan and Australia have already agreed to jointly develop a next-generation frigate for the Royal Australian Navy, based on an upgraded version of the Mogami-class frigate operated by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. The two countries will jointly manufacture the new vessel.

Meanwhile, New Zealand has selected the upgraded Mogami-class frigate and a British warship as the two finalists for its next-generation frigate program. A decision is expected by the end of 2027. (QNA