Japan-Australia Foreign Ministers' Meeting

August 2, 2002

On the occasion of the ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference (PMC) held in Brunei Darussalam on 1 August, Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoriko Kawaguchi held talks with Minister for Foreign Affairs Alexander Downer of Australia, for approximately 30 minutes from around noon. The following is an outline of the meeting.

1.Japan-Australia Bilateral Relations

Both foreign ministers agreed that the visit to Australia in May 2002 by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi had further strengthened the already close relationship between Japan and Australia. One of the results of the summit meeting, which was held during the visit, was the announcement of the "Japan-Australia Creative Partnership" and both foreign ministers welcomed the developments that are already being witnessed in bilateral economic cooperation, etc., and reaffirmed that cooperation should be further enhanced and closer relations between Japan and Australia fostered. Foreign Minister Kawaguchi also touched on a scheduled follow-up meeting to the Australia-Japan Conference for the 21st Century that was held in Sydney in 2001.

2. Regional Cooperation

Foreign Minister Downer welcomed the concept of "a community that acts together and advances together" in East Asia which Prime Minister Koizumi expounded in his policy speech in Singapore. The two Ministers discussed regional cooperation, including Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and ASEAN+3 and they shared the view that both Japan and Australia should continue to work closely to promote East Asian regional cooperation. In addition, the foreign ministers agreed on the importance of the engagement of the United States in the region.

3. Climate Change

Foreign Minister Kawaguchi conveyed her sentiments of regret that Australia's policy was not to sign the Kyoto Protocol at the current stage. In response, Foreign Minister Downer explained that Australia is taking the required efforts to conform to pledges to reduce greenhouse gases.

4. Situation on the Korean Peninsula

Foreign Minister Kawaguchi briefed Mr. Downer on the Japan-North Korea Foreign Ministers' Meeting that had taken place on 31 July, and the ministers exchanged views on the situation on the Korean Peninsula.