Press Releases

　On Wednesday, August 30, commencing at 3:15 p.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held a telephone talk with the Hon. Julie Bishop, MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Commonwealth of Australia. The overview of the talk is as follows.

1. Minister Kono stated that he was greatly encouraged by the strong message issued by Australia in response to the latest missile launch by North Korea. He also noted that he wishes to ensure strict and full implementation of UNSC resolutions and encourage China which is the key to this issue to play a greater role through close coordination among Japan-Australia and Japan-Australia-United States.
2. Both ministers shared the recognition that they strongly condemn North Korea’s provocative actions and they affirmed the necessity of enhancing the pressure on North Korea by the international community to the maximum extent. Both ministers also affirmed that Japan-Australia, and Japan-Australia-United States will coordinate closely in order to strengthen the pressure on North Korea.