Japan-Australia Summit Telephone Meeting (Summary)

On March 14, commencing at 10:55 a.m. for approximately 10 minutes, KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan held a telephone meeting with the Hon. Anthony Albanese, MP, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia. The overview of the meeting is as follows.

1. At the outset, Prime Minister Albanese explained that, regarding AUKUS, the leaders of Australia, the U.K., and the U.S. had announced plans for Australia’s acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines. Prime Minister Albanese also stated that Australia continues to strongly commit to its non-proliferation and other obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

2. Prime Minister Kishida stated that the undertakings of AUKUS will contribute to the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region amidst an increasingly severe security environment in the region. Prime Minister Kishida also stated that Japan has consistently supported these efforts.

3. The two leaders concurred to continue to strengthen coordination with the United States, the common ally, and the United Kingdom, a like-minded country, toward the realization of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.