Japan-Australia Foreign Ministers' Meeting
22 September, 2009
Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada of Japan had a bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister Stephen Smith of Australia in New York for about 40 minutes from 11:30am on 22 September, 2009. The topics discussed at the meeting are as follows.
1. Bilateral Relationship
(1) Overall and Economic Relationship (including EPA)
The two ministers shared the recognition that Japan and Australia have fostered a comprehensive partnership that encompasses not only trade and economic relations but also strategic and security relations. Foreign Minister Smith stated that, for Australia, the bilateral relationship with Japan is the most important one in the region, and that Australia intends to enhance the relationship through promoting FTA/EPA negotiations with Japan. Foreign Minister Okada replied that the two countries should continue to negotiate in a realistic and constructive manner despite the difficulties pertaining to the negotiations.
(2) Security Relationship
The two ministers shared the view that the strategic and security cooperation between Japan and Australia has substantially progressed and agreed to coordinate the dates for the next Japan-Australia Joint Foreign and Defence Ministerial Consultations ("2＋2").
2. Regional and Global Issues
(1) North Korea
The two ministers shared the recognition that the nuclear and missile development by North Korea poses a threat to the security of Japan and the region, and underlined the importance of the unity of the international community in achieving the denuclearization of North Korea. Foreign Minister Smith expressed his continued support for Japan's position on the denuclearization and the abduction of Japanese citizens by North Korea.
(2) Nuclear Disarmament and Non-Proliferation
(a) In view of the rising momentum for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation in the international community, the two ministers expressed their expectations that the International Commission on Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament established by the joint initiative of Japan and Australia would produce a constructive report. They confirmed that the Governments of Japan and Australia would continue to work actively on the issue of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.
(b) Foreign Minister Smith stated that the Government of Australia will actively cooperate with the IAEA, where Ambassador Amano will soon be appointed as Secretary General.
(3) UN Security Council Reform
Foreign Minister Okada appreciated Australia's consistent support for Japan's bid for a permanent seat in the Security Council. The two ministers agreed to cooperate toward the early realization of the UN Security Council reform.
(4) Bali Democracy Forum
The two ministers agreed to assist the "Bali Democracy Forum" with a view to establishing universal values, such as democracy and human rights, in the region.
(5) G20
The two ministers shared the recognition that G20 plays an important role in responding to the global economic and financial crisis and that Japan and Australia continue to cooperate on this issue.
(6) Pacific Island Countries
The two ministers agreed that the peace and stability of Pacific island countries is in the interest of both Japan and Australia and that the two countries will cooperate in a range of issues facing the Pacific island countries, including climate change.
(7) Whaling
Foreign Minister Smith stated that Australia would like to solve the whaling issue diplomatically through bilateral and multilateral consultations, without undermining the friendly relationship between Japan and Australia. The two ministers agreed to continue to discuss the issue. Foreign Minister Okada requested that Australia cooperate in dealing with the extremist activities by private organizations such as Sea Shepherd
Back to Index