Press Releases
Japan-Australia Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Talk
On June 5, commencing at 1:30 p.m. for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a telephone talk with Senator the Hon. Marise Payne, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Commonwealth of Australia. The overview is as follows.
1. The Ministers exchanged views on the situation related to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in their respective countries. They confirmed that preventing the spread of infections and achieving economic recovery are important for both countries, and that Japan and Australia will work together to that end. Minister Motegi proposed to proceed with discussions between the two countries regarding the possibility of resuming mutual visits by the necessary personnel, while taking appropriate infection control measures. In response, Minister Payne said that although Australia had already announced to relax border measures first with New Zealand followed by the Pacific Island Countries, she accepted to proceed with such discussions considering that Japan is a very close partner.
2. With regard to the situation in Hong Kong, the Ministers shared serious concern about the decision made by China’s National People’s Congress regarding Hong Kong. They concurred that it is important for Hong Kong to develop democratically and stably under “One Country, Two Systems,” and confirmed to coordinate closely together including with other like-minded countries.
3. The Ministers shared the view to exercise strong leadership on global measures to combat COVID-19 and establishing the international order in the time of the coronavirus.