Japan-Chile Relations

On November 7, commencing at 8:05 p.m. (local time) for approximately one hour and 20 minutes, Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs, hosted a working dinner with The Hon Julie Bishop MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Common wealth of Australia, during his visit to Da Nang, Viet Nam to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministerial Meeting.

1. In opening remarks Minister Bishop congratulated Minister Kono on his re-election and re-appointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs and the two ministers confirmed that Japan and Australia will continue to further develop the bilateral relationship in security cooperation and other areas.
2. Referring to the issue of North Korea, Minister Kono noted the importance of maximizing pressure on North Korea and stated that Japan will work with Australia to prevent any loopholes in the sanctions regime. Both ministers confirmed that Japan and Australia will continue to work closely in responding to the issue of North Korea. Both ministers also agreed to cooperate on human rights issues in North Korea, including the abductions issue.
3. Minister Kono referred to the “Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy” and both ministers confirmed that Japan and Australia will work together in order to maintain and strengthen the maritime order in the Indo-Pacific.
4. Both ministers agreed to cooperate towards the early entry into force of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement.
5. Both ministers also confirmed that Japan and Australia will work closely together towards the success of the 8^th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM8), which is scheduled to be held in May 2018.