Visit to Japan
Media release
20 May 2010
I visited Japan on Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 May.
Yesterday I had a formal bilateral meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Okada. Following on from our meeting in Perth in February this year, we discussed international developments and enduring cooperation between Australia and Japan.
Defence Minister Faulkner and I participated in the '2+2' Foreign Affairs and Defence Ministers meeting with Minister Okada and Japanese Minister for Defense Kitazawa. We discussed international security developments and deepening defence and security cooperation between Australia and Japan.
Australia's and Japan's comprehensive economic, security and strategic partnership - built on shared goals, values and interests - represents an important contribution to peace, security and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
Following the '2+2' meeting Minister Faulkner signed the Australia-Japan Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) and supporting Procedural Arrangement with our Japanese counterparts.
The ACSA is only the second such agreement signed by Japan– the first, with the United States, was signed in 2004. The Agreement highlights the growing strength of Australia-Japan defence cooperation.
Today, Thursday, Minister Faulkner and I called on Japanese Prime Minister Hatomaya and discussed international, regional and bilateral developments, including Australia and Japan's support for APEC and our participation in the G20.
We also discussed the Republic of Korea's response to the Cheonan investigation. Japan and Australia share deep concerns about the threat posed by the DPRK to stability in the region as a result of this flagrant violation of international law.
I also met the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries. We discussed a range of issues including bilateral Free Trade Agreement negotiations and APEC cooperation in a year when Japan chairs APEC.
On Thursday, I addressed the Japan National Press Club. This is the second time I have addressed the Press Club.
Media inquiries
- Minister's Office: (02) 6277 7500
- Departmental Media Liaison: (02) 6261 1555