TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan and New Zealand agreed Friday during talks between their foreign ministers to strengthen bilateral security cooperation and coordination with Pacific island nations as they seek to uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific amid China's military assertiveness.

Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi told his New Zealand counterpart Winston Peters in Tokyo that the two countries share common values as "strategic cooperative partners" and expressed his intention to deepen bilateral ties ahead of the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relationship next year, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said.

The ministers also confirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation, including in security, following the signing last year of an agreement to facilitate the exchange of supplies and logistical support between their defense forces and the entry into force of an information security agreement this year.

The two sides agreed to promote coordination among like-minded partners, including through the Indo-Pacific Four partners of NATO comprising Japan, Australia, New Zealand and South Korea, the Japanese ministry said, noting that China's activities, North Korea and the Middle East were also on the agenda.

The talks came days after China test-fired a submarine-launched ballistic missile into the Pacific, drawing concern from regional countries.