Singapore, May 30 (Jiji Press)--The defense ministers of Japan, Australia and New Zealand at a meeting in Singapore on Saturday discussed New Zealand's possible introduction of an upgraded model of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force's Mogami-class frigate. It was the first time for the three countries to hold a meeting of their defense ministers. "This is a very important opportunity for prosperity, peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region," Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said at the meeting with his Australian and New Zealand counterparts, Richard Marles and Chris Penk. If New Zealand introduces the upgraded Mogami frigate, that will improve interoperability among the three countries, he also said. At a press conference after the trilateral meeting, Koizumi said that Japan hopes to advance talks with New Zealand on concluding a pact on the transfer of defense equipment and technologies. Japan and Australia have already decided to jointly develop a next-generation frigate for the Australian navy based on the upgraded Mogami. The new frigate will be jointly produced by the two countries. New Zealand has picked the improved Mogami frigate and a British warship as candidates for its next-generation frigate. A decision is expected to be made by the end of 2027. Koizumi, Marles and Penk also discussed issues related to China, which is expanding maritime activities into the western Pacific and the Southern Hemisphere. The ministers affirmed their countries' cooperation to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Koizumi also met with British Defense Secretary John Healey. They agreed to strengthen defense cooperation, including for a joint project among Japan, Britain and Italy to develop a next-generation fighter jet. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]