Japan-Australia Relations

January 19, 2025
Foreign Minister Mr. Iwaya and Hon. Penny Wong, Australia Foreign Minister are shaking hands
Foreign Minister Mr. Iwaya and Hon. Penny Wong, Australia Foreign Minister under meeting

On January 19, commencing at 2:55 p.m. local time (4:55 a.m. on January 20, JST) for approximately 45 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a Japan-Australia Foreign Minister’s Meeting with Senator the Hon. Penny WONG, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Commonwealth of Australia during his visit to Washington D.C. for attending the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony. The overview of the meeting is as follows:

  1. At the outset, Minister Iwaya stated that it is important for Japan and Australia to play a leading role in realizing a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific”, working hand in hand with the United States and other like-minded countries. Minister Wong expressed her willingness to further strengthen Japan-Australia relationship in a wide range of fields amid the increasingly severe strategic environment in the Indo-Pacific.
  2. The two ministers exchanged views on various issues in the Indo-Pacific. In light of the region’s severe security environment, they concurred on promoting multilayered cooperation with the United States, a common ally, and other like-minded countries, including efforts by the Quad (Japan-Australia-India-U.S.).
  3. Regarding bilateral security cooperation, the two ministers confirmed that both countries would steadily implement the commitments made at the Japan-Australia 2+2 meeting held in September 2024, including commitments related to cyber and economic security. The two ministers also concurred on strengthening cooperation and dialogue in the economic fields and to promote people-to-people exchange.
  4. The two ministers confirmed that they would work together to further deepen the “Special Strategic Partnership” between Japan and Australia, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Japan and Australia next year.

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