Japan-Australia Relations
Japan-Australia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
September 19, 2016
On Monday, September 19, commencing at shortly after 12:15 p.m. (shortly after 1:15 a.m. on September 20, Japan time) for approximately 55 minutes, Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs, who is visiting New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), held a meeting over lunch with the Hon. Julie Bishop, MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Commonwealth of Australia. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
1 Bilateral relations
In his opening statement, Foreign Minister Kishida welcomed their 13th Foreign Ministerial meeting, following the Japan-United States-Australia Trilateral Strategic Dialogue that took place this July. In addition, Foreign Minister Kishida mentioned that the trilateral telephone conference that took place between Japan, Australia and the United Kingdom after North Korea conducted a nuclear test was groundbreaking, and the two ministers shared the view on the importance of the Special Strategic Partnership between Japan and Australia.
The two ministers also welcomed that the Governments of Japan and Australia had agreed to review the Japan-Australia Acquisition and Cross-servicing Agreement (ACSA). Furthermore, the two ministers confirmed that they will continue to work closely towards early conclusion of an agreement that would reciprocally improve administrative, policy and legal procedures to facilitate joint operations and exercise.
(1) Security and defense cooperation
Minister Kishida explained that he attached importance to the Japan-Australia Joint Foreign and Defense Ministerial Consultations ("2+2"), and stated that he hoped to invite Foreign Minister Bishop and Defense Minister Marise Payne to Tokyo to hold strategic discussions and advance bilateral security and defense cooperation. Foreign Minister Bishop concurred, and the both ministers agreed to continue coordination of the schedule.The two ministers also welcomed that the Governments of Japan and Australia had agreed to review the Japan-Australia Acquisition and Cross-servicing Agreement (ACSA). Furthermore, the two ministers confirmed that they will continue to work closely towards early conclusion of an agreement that would reciprocally improve administrative, policy and legal procedures to facilitate joint operations and exercise.
(2) Economic relations
Minister Kishida stated that it is important to carry forward their respective domestic procedures towards early entry into force of Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) which holds strategic significance. The two ministers exchanged views on current situation in Japan, Australia, U.S. and others. The two ministers confirmed to aim for the conclusion of a high-level agreement with regard to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).(3) Other
Minister Kishida expressed his concern that Sea Shepherd is declaring its intention to oppose and disrupt Japan's cetacean scientific research fleet, and requested that effective measures be taken against extreme acts of sabotage and behavior, based on international rules.2 Regional affairs and global challenges
(1) The two ministers exchanged views on the situation in the South China Sea and the East China Sea and confirmed their intention to continue close coordination.
(2) The two ministers exchanged views on North Korea's nuclear tests, missile launches, and human rights issues, including the abductions, and confirmed their intention to continue close coordination.
(2) The two ministers exchanged views on North Korea's nuclear tests, missile launches, and human rights issues, including the abductions, and confirmed their intention to continue close coordination.