Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, will travel to Japan this week to meet with his counterpart, Minister of Defense, Koizumi Shinjiro.
In Tokyo, Deputy Prime Minister Marles and Minister Koizumi will convene a ministerial meeting under the Framework for Strategic Defence Coordination.
Ministers will discuss important developments in the global and regional security environment, including how Australia and Japan can utilise our indispensable and growing partnership to ensure we are best prepared to respond to common challenges.
Australia and Japan's relationship is long and enduring, shaped by decades of close cooperation and engagement. Our relationship is underpinned by a shared vision for regional security and a commitment to strengthening our Special Strategic Partnership.
This year also marks the 50th anniversary on the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Australia and Japan, signed on 16 June 1976.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:
"Our relationship with Japan continues to go from strength to strength, underpinned by deep strategic alignment, trust and shared ambition.
"I look forward to meeting with Minister Koizumi to progress implementation of the Framework for Strategic Defence Coordination and to continue strengthening our defence cooperation and Special Strategic Partnership in support of regional security."
