Visit to Japan, Hong Kong and Macau

I will visit Japan, Hong Kong and Macau from 1 to 3 August for talks with bilateral counterparts and Australian business representatives.

My visit to Tokyo will provide an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of the Australia-Japan relationship and to explore its further development with key Japanese interlocutors. I will discuss the enhancement our defence and security cooperation, progress on the Australia-Japan Free Trade Agreement Feasibility Study and important issues affecting our common interests in the East Asian region including North Korea and the development of regional architecture.

I will hold bilateral talks with Foreign Minister Taro Aso, and also meet Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, Chief Cabinet Secretary Shinzo Abe and other Ministers and senior Japanese politicians. On 1 August I will deliver a speech to the Japan National Press Club and later present the 2006 Australia-Japan Foundation Achievement Awards. These are key events of the 2006 Australia-Japan Year of Exchange - a joint prime ministerial initiative to mark the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Australia and Japan.

In my meeting Prime Minister Koizumi, who will be stepping down in October, I will thank him for his strong support over the past five years. Due to his efforts, Australia and Japan's comprehensive strategic and economic partnership is now stronger than ever. Japan is our top trading partner and third largest source of foreign investment, while Australia is an important supplier of key minerals, energy and food to Japan. It is an economic relationship that continues to be enormously beneficial for both countries.

My visit to Hong Kong will promote Australia's important economic interests in Hong Kong, which are supported by a close people-to-people relationship. I will meet Chief Executive Donald Tsang and other senior officials to discuss a range of bilateral and regional issues, and to hear their views on Hong Kong's economic and political outlook. The Australian Government strongly supports Hong Kong's autonomy under the Basic Law, which provides for the ultimate aim of universal suffrage. I will also speak at a breakfast hosted by the Australian Chamber of Commerce to outline the Government's approach to relations with the territory.

In Macau, I will promote Australia's growing interests in the territory, including cooperation on economic and other regional issues. I will meet the Chief Executive Edmund Ho and senior members of his team to discuss Australia's role in Macau's economic development and the potential for further involvement. I will also meet members of the rapidly growing Australian business community in the territory.

Media Inquiries: Mr Downer's office 02 6277 7500 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555