Japan-Australia Relations
Japan-Australia Summit Telephone Talk
February 25, 2021
On February 25, commencing at 3:30 p.m. for approximately 40 minutes, Mr. SUGA Yoshihide, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit telephone talk with the Hon Scott Morrison, MP, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia. The overview of the talk is as follows.
- The two leaders concurred that PM Morrison’s visits to Japan last year was very fruitful and Japan and Australia, as "Special Strategic Partners," would continue to promote practical cooperation in various areas including the security and the economy. They also shared the view that the two countries would promote the bilateral cooperation, coordination with the U.S. and the ASEAN towards the realization of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. Furthermore, they concurred on steadfast promotion of the cooperation among Japan-Australia-India-U.S.
- The two leaders exchanged views on the regional situation, and confirmed that they have grave concerns over the situation in Myanmar and concurred to work together closely in this vein.
- The two leaders were seriously concerned regarding any attempts that seek to unilaterally change the status quo, and concurred on continued close collaboration. In this regard, PM Suga expressed serious concern regarding China’s Coast Guard Law. Together they expressed serious concerns over the human rights situation in Hong Kong and the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR).
- The two leaders also exchanged views on the situation in North Korea. In this cotext, PM Morrison expressed his continued support for Japan’s efforts to resolve the abductions issue.
- PM Morrison praised for the steady progress of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games preparation and PM Suga expressed his appreciation for PM Morrison’s support.