Japan-Australia Relations
Japan-Australia Summit Telephone Meeting
March 14, 2023
On March 14, commencing at 10:55 a.m. for approximately 10 minutes, KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan held a telephone meeting with the Hon. Anthony Albanese, MP, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- At the outset, Prime Minister Albanese explained that, regarding AUKUS, the leaders of Australia, the U.K., and the U.S. had announced plans for Australia’s acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines. Prime Minister Albanese also stated that Australia continues to strongly commit to its non-proliferation and other obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
- Prime Minister Kishida stated that the undertakings of AUKUS will contribute to the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region amidst an increasingly severe security environment in the region. Prime Minister Kishida also stated that Japan has consistently supported these efforts.
- The two leaders concurred to continue to strengthen coordination with the United States, the common ally, and the United Kingdom, a like-minded country, toward the realization of a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific.