Japan-Australia Leaders’ meeting (Summary)

On November 17, commencing at 10:40 a.m. (local time; 3:40 a.m. on November 18 JST) for approximately 25 minutes, Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, who is visiting San Francisco, the United States to attend the APEC Summit, held a leaders’ 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 Kishida stated that it is becoming increasingly important that Japan and Australia, as the central pillar of the coordination among like-minded countries for "Free and Open Indo-Pacific", continue close communication on strategic challenges, as the international situation gets more severe and complex.
2. The two leaders exchanged views in light of the result of each leaders meeting with China on various issues in the Indo-Pacific regionand pressing international issues, including the situation surrounding Israel and Palestine. They concurred on continued close communication.
3. The two leaders affirmed that they support sustainable and resilient development of Pacific Island countries. On the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea, in light of the outcomes of the recent PIF Leaders Session with Forum Dialogue Partners, Prime Minister Kishida stated that Japan will continue to provide them with sincere explanations based on scientific evidence, including monitoring results, so that they can feel more secure. Prime Minister Albanese reiterated his appreciation of Japan's efforts.
4. The two leaders had candid discussions on the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) from a strategic perspective and confirmed that they will continue to work closely together.
5. The two leaders affirmed that they would continue to coordinate closely in dealing with North Korea on the nuclear and missile issues as well as the abductions issue.