Japan-Australia-New Zealand-ROK Leaders’ Meeting (Summary)
July 12, 2023
[Provisional translation]
On July 12, commencing at 7:45 a.m. (at 1:45 p.m. JST) for approximately 25 minutes, Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, who was visiting Lithuania to attend the NATO Summit, held Japan-Australia-New Zealand-ROK Leaders’ Meeting with the Hon. Anthony Albanese, MP, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia, Rt Hon Chris Hipkins, Prime Minister of New Zealand and H.E. Mr. Yoon Suk Yeol, President of the Republic of Korea. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- The four leaders concurred that they strongly condemn the ballistic missile launch by North Korea on July 12, which undermines the peace and security of the region and the international community, and is totally unacceptable. They issued a joint statement on it.
- The four leaders exchanged views on cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Prime Minister Kishida stated that it is becoming even more important to maintain and strengthen a free and open international order based on the rule of law, and that any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force are unacceptable anywhere in the world. The four leaders concurred on these points.
- The four leaders concurred on the importance of deepening cooperation with ASEAN and Pacific Island countries towards the realization of a free and open Indo-Pacific, respecting each region's own agenda.
- The four leaders confirmed that the four countries will continue to communicate closely with each other and work together, including with the United States, European countries and other like-minded countries, for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
