Countries & Regions

1. On July 25, at shortly after 1:00 p.m. (Japan time), The Hon. Tony Abbott, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia telephoned Prime Minister Shinzo Abe who was aboard a government aircraft to hold a Japan-Australia summit telephone talk.

2. Regarding the incident involving the downing of a Malaysia Airlines aircraft, Prime Minister Abbott explained the state of an investigation underway at the crash site, which the Government of Australia is participating in, and stated that the cooperation of the armed insurgents is necessary for on-site humanitarian activities. Prime Minister Abbott asked for Japan’s continued support in order to carry out an adequate investigation.

3. Prime Minister Abe expressed anew his condolences for a number of Australian casualties. He explained that the Government of Japan is placing the utmost emphasis on clarifying the causes and is deeply concerned about a situation where the denial of access and the removal of wreckage by the armed insurgents are hindering the investigation. He also showed full understanding on the Government of Australia’s efforts in relation to the on-site investigation. Prime Minister Abe stated that “The people of Japan and I are with you and the Australian people.”

4. Prime Minister Abbott thanked Prime Minister Abe for his consolatory message, which he said is an expression of true friendship at a difficult and daunting time for Australian citizens.

5. The two leaders shared the view that they would continue to communicate closely.