Opening Remarks, Australia-Japan Defence Ministers' Meeting

SUBJECTS: Australia-Japan relationship

RICHARD MARLES, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER: Shin, welcome. It is fantastic to see you here. I think this is the fourth time we've met this year, seventh time we've met within a year, and it speaks to the significance of the relationship that we have together, personally, but obviously also in terms of the bilateral defence relationship of our two countries. We meet at a time where there is significant strategic challenge around the world, but very much in the Indo-Pacific. And in the midst of all of that, our relationship is so profoundly important, and we are deeply grateful for it. And we're very much looking forward today to the productive discussions to take our relationship forward even further.

KOIZUMI SHINJIRO, JAPAN’S MINISTER OF DEFENSE: Thank you, Richard. When I last visited Australia, we met in your hometown of Melbourne. Today, I'm grateful for the opportunity to meet with you here in Canberra, where your office is based. In July, on the margins of the NATO summit, I had my first meeting with Minister Conroy in his capacity as Minister for Defence Industry and Minister for Pacific Island Affairs. I am pleased that ministers from Japan and Australia continue to engage closely and regularly at the ministerial level, in this manner. The leader's statement on security cooperation issued following the Japan-Australia summit meeting in May this year reflects the unprecedented level of strategic alignment between our two countries, and will elevate our defence partnership to new heights. Importantly, our cooperation is already deepening in tangible and practical ways. Last month, Southern Cross 26, the first trilateral F-35 exercise involving Japan, the United States, and Australia to be held in Australia, took place. The JSDF F-35As participating in the exercise flew to Darwin, with air-to-air refuel support provided by the Australian Defence Force. In addition, the three countries conducted joint maintenance training during the exercise. I welcome these practical efforts, which are enhancing interoperability between Japan and Australia, as well as among Japan, the United States, and Australia. Today, I would like to further discuss how we can continue to strengthen the Japan-Australia Defence Partnership. Thank you very much. Thank you.