Japan-Australia Relations
Japan-Australia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
November 8, 2014
On November 8 (Saturday), commencing at 12:55 p.m. for approximately 45 minutes, Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs, during his visit to Beijing, the People’s Republic of China, to attend the APEC Ministerial Meeting, held a luncheon meeting with the Hon. Julie Bishop, MP, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs. An outline of the meeting is as follows:
- Minister Kishida stated that he would like to cooperate with Minister Bishop to further advance the follow-up work in progress succeeding the mutual visits by leaders of both countries, to which Minister Bishop expressed her assent.
- Minister Kishida said he was pleased to see the smooth progress of the “New Colombo Plan”. Minister Bishop responded by stating that the pilot project with Japan had been a great success and expressed her gratitude for Japan’s cooperation. Minister Bishop also stated that Japan is one of the most popular destinations for Australian students and she would promote Japanese language education for younger generations.
- Concerning the Japan-Australia economic partnership agreement (EPA), Minister Kishida told Minister Bishop of an approval by the Japanese Diet on November 7, and stated that he would continue to work on early entry into effect of the agreement. Foreign Minister Bishop responded by explaining the procedures underway in the Australian Parliament as well.
- The two ministers welcomed the progress of security and defense cooperation between the two countries. Also on cooperation in the Pacific region, the two ministers welcomed the work done to date to develop a coordinated strategy as decided in July between their leaders, and shared the view that they would continue their cooperation.
- The two ministers also exchanged views on regional situations. Welcoming the recent progress of Japan-China relations, Minister Bishop expressed her high expectation toward future advancement of Japan-China relations.