Japan-Australia Relations

On December 6, commencing at 5:30 p.m. for approximately 30 minutes, the delegation of the Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL) *, which are visiting Japan at the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, paid a courtesy call on Mr. Manabu Horii, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs. The overview is as follows.

1. Parliamentary Vice-Minister Horii expressed his gratitude to the RSL for its significant contributions to the previous visits to Japan by the Australian Former Prisoners of War (POWs) under the Japan-Australia Grassroots Exchange Programme. Mr. Horii stated that he expects that the commemorative event, which is held on December 7 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in order to review the significance and outcome of the Programme, would  provide an opportunity to promote reconciliation and friendship further between Japan and Australia. 
2. In response, Ms. Georgie Macris, who represented the RSL as its National CEO, said she was pleased to be able to visit Japan and showed her appreciation for the invitation by the Government of Japan. Ms. Macris also stated that the RSL is willing to continue its cooperation for further enhancement of future-oriented friendly relationship between Japan and Australia.
3. Additionally, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Mr. Horii mentioned that the activities under the Japan-Australia Grassroots Exchange Programme would be concluded in light of the decrease in the number of the Australian former POWs who can travel to Japan. Mr. Horii also indicated Japan's intention of promoting bilateral exchanges among younger generations of the two countries building on the sprit and significance of the Programme.

• Ms. Georgie Macris, National CEO, RSL
• Major General (Retired) Peter Phillips AO MC, Former RSL President
• Mr. Stephen Henderson, National Special Projects Manager, RSL