Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles and Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong will travel to Japan to attend the 12th Australia-Japan Foreign and Defence Ministers' Meeting on 5 September 2025.
The meeting, with Japan's Minister for Foreign Affairs, H.E Iwaya Takeshi, and Minister of Defense, H.E. Nakatani Gen, will focus on shared geostrategic priorities as well as in-creasing collaboration across critical areas including economic ties, cyber security, regional security, and multilateral affairs.
Deputy Prime Minister Marles and Foreign Minister Wong will also conduct bilateral talks with their counterparts to advance defence and security engagement and shared foreign policy objectives, respectively.
Australia and Japan share a rich history, shaped by decades of peaceful engagement and cooperation.
Our relationship is underpinned by a shared vision for our region and enhancing our Special Strategic Partnership as we work together to respond to increasingly complex global challenges.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles:
"Japan is an indispensable partner for Australia. Our defence and security ties are underpinned by a growing strategic alignment and deep trust.
"This year has been a milestone year of defence cooperation, which included the largest ever Japanese participation in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, and I look to furthering our discussions while in Tokyo."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Penny Wong:
"Australia and Japan are strategic partners and close friends, with a relationship built on trust, aligned values, and mutual interests. Together, we support a free and open Indo-Pacific that is inclusive and resilient.
"Our relationship with Japan is going from strength to strength, underpinned by increasing alignment and a shared commitment to upholding a peaceful, stable and prosperous region."
