Japan-Australia Summit Meeting

On September 27, commencing at 10:20 a.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit meeting with the Hon. Anthony Albanese, MP, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia, who is visiting Japan to attend the state funeral for former Prime Minister Abe. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
 
1. At the outset, Prime Minister Kishida expressed his appreciation for the special consideration given by Australia to the passing of former Prime Minister Abe, including Prime Minister Albanese’s attendance at the state funeral, light-ups throughout Australia, and condolence motions moved in the House and Senate. In response, Prime Minister Albanese stated that the delegation consisting of current Prime Minister as well as three former Prime Ministers visited Japan to show respect for former Prime Minister Abe and Japan.
 
2. The leaders concurred to further deepen Japan-Australia relations, including security and defense cooperation, and work closer together to realize a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.”
 
3. The leaders affirmed the importance of stable supply of resources and energy and collaboration on new areas, such as hydrogen.
 
4. The leaders exchanged views regarding the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP11 Agreement) and the regional situation, including Pacific Island countries, and concurred to deepen their coordination on these affairs. Furthermore, the leaders affirmed that they would continue to coordinate in dealing with North Korea, including on the nuclear and missile issues, such as the ballistic missile launch on September 25th as well as the abductions issue..
 
5. Following the meeting, Prime Minister Kishida, joined by Prime Minister Albanese, held informal talks with former Prime Minister John Howard, former Prime Minister Tony Abbott, and former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull of the Commonwealth of Australia who attend the state funeral. They reflected on the achievements made by former Prime Minister Abe and concurred to carry on his legacy by further strengthening the Japan-Australia relationship.