Australia-Japan Leaders’ Meeting Joint Statement
October 22, 2022
1. Prime Minister Albanese and Prime Minister Kishida met today in Perth and reaffirmed
the vital Special Strategic Partnership between Australia and Japan. The leaders reiterated their commitment to realise a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region that is inclusive and resilient.
Security and defence cooperation
2. The leaders today issued a renewed bilateral Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation
(JDSC) to guide the relationship over the next decade. Japan and Australia will deepen and expand cooperation to respond to the most pressing security challenges in our region.
3. The leaders welcomed the growth in security and defence cooperation. Prime Minister
Kishida expressed his resolve to examine all options necessary for national defence, including so-called “counterstrike capabilities”. Prime Minister Kishida stated his determination to fundamentally reinforce Japan’s defence capabilities within the next five years and secure substantial increase of its defence budget needed to effect it. Prime Minister Albanese strongly supported Prime Minister Kishida’s determination. They decided to continue to identify ways to enhance interoperability, including through expanding existing military exercises and training. They instructed ministers to build on the Reciprocal Access Agreement as early as possible once it enters into force, including enhancing defence activities in each other’s territories. They welcomed the announcement that
Japan Self-Defense Forces will train and exercise in northern Australia to increase interoperability with the Australian Defence Force. They recommitted to deepening bilateral collaboration in space, cyber, information sharing, and regional capacity-building.
Economic security cooperation
4. The leaders welcomed progress on bilateral cooperation to strengthen economic security, in particular through the Quad and the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative and pledged to further strengthen cooperation in this area. They decided to explore further opportunities to build stronger and more resilient supply chains, such as for semiconductors. The leaders committed to work together and with other interested countries to address and respond to economic coercion which undermines the international order based on international law and the rules-based multilateral trading system. Both countries will increase information sharing, and explore ways to respond to the
challenges.
5. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to elevating cooperation on critical and
emerging technology policies, including supporting technological design, development, protection, governance, and usage that promote shared values.
6. The leaders welcomed the upcoming Japan-Australia Policy Dialogue for Telecommunications Resilience and decided to enhance cooperation on telecommunications
resilience and security, which will harness critical and emerging technologies and build resilient and secure telecommunications networks. They decided to deepen cooperation on cybersecurity and cyber resilience, including through the Japan-Australia Cyber Policy Dialogue.
Climate, energy security and energy transition
7. The leaders recognised climate change is a major security and economic challenge for the region, as well as a source of economic opportunity in new clean energy industries and trade and committed to deepen cooperation on climate as a priority. They pledged to work together towards the effective implementation of their respective Paris Agreement commitments and to reduce emissions to net zero by 2050. The leaders pledged to continue to support initiatives that will advance clean energy technologies and supply chains including hydrogen and ammonia under the Japan-Australia Partnership on Decarbonisation through Technology, and through regional multilateral fora, including the Quad. They also pledged to support capacity building for Indo-Pacific countries to meet their international transparency commitments and advance high integrity carbon markets under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
8. In the wake of Russia's aggression against Ukraine and subsequent global energy market
volatility and fuel supply issues, the leaders reaffirmed the critical importance of enhancing energy security cooperation, including through secure and reliable energy resources trade and investment, such as in liquefied natural gas (LNG). The leaders recognised renewable and clean energy technologies provide a key opportunity to deliver improved energy security and economic prosperity while supporting the transformation to net zero emissions. They pledged to strengthen cooperation to ensure better access to affordable, reliable and secure clean energy in the Indo-Pacific as we move to a net zero world, including through the ongoing development of initiatives such as Japan’s Asia Zero Emissions Community Concept. Especially, they pledged to cooperate on the development
and deployment of renewables, hydrogen and ammonia markets and international supply chains in the Indo-Pacific.
9. The Leaders announced an Australia-Japan critical minerals partnership to build secure
critical mineral supply chains between Australia and Japan and promote investment and other areas of collaboration. Australia and Japan will work together to facilitate commercial arrangements, develop Australia’s domestic critical minerals sector, ensure Japan has the supply of critical minerals required for its advanced manufacturing industry, and to meet our respective emissions targets.
Trade and economic cooperation
10. The leaders reaffirmed the role of the Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement
(JAEPA) to the bilateral trade and investment relationship and reiterated their commitment to its full implementation.
11. The leaders confirmed their commitment to an open, free, fair, inclusive and rules-based multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core, which provides stability and predictability to global trade that all nations rely on for their prosperity. They welcomed the strong outcomes achieved at the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference and committed to work together to implement the outcomes, including to conduct discussions with a view to having a fully and well-functioning WTO dispute settlement system accessible to all Members by 2024. They reaffirmed their opposition to the use of economic coercion which undermines the rules-based multilateral trading system, and decided to work together and with other interested parties to respond to such behaviour.
12. The leaders reaffirmed the economic and strategic significance of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and looked forward to the Agreement’s continued implementation, and its expansion to those economies committed to the Agreement’s objectives, able to fully meet and adhere to its high standards and with a demonstrated pattern of complying with their trade commitments. They noted that economic coercion and unjustified restrictive trade practices are contrary to the objectives and high standards of the Agreement. They reaffirmed their commitments to the full implementation of the RCEP Agreement.
13. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to work together with Indo-Pacific partners to
meet their infrastructure needs. They noted the importance of sustainable, quality infrastructure to regional economic development and prosperity, and welcomed trilateral cooperation with the United States, as well as cooperation with India through the Quad.
14. In the wake of numerous natural disasters in Australia in recent years, the leaders
recognised the important role that satellite technology can play in assisting with disaster response, preparedness and preparation. They announced that Japan and Australia would strengthen cooperation for enhancing Australia’s extreme weather and multi-hazard monitoring capability by looking ahead to the successor to the Japanese geostationary meteorological satellite Himawari, from 2029-30.
15. The leaders confirmed in-principle support for Australia to be the landing site for the
Japanese Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) capsule, expected to launch in 2024. Leaders
welcomed this strong collaboration between Australia and Japan in space science research activities.
16. The leaders acknowledged the importance of women’s economic empowerment as a precondition to inclusive growth and to contribute to the strength, resilience and sustainability of the Indo-Pacific.
Global and regional cooperation
17. The leaders reiterated their unwavering support for ASEAN centrality and the principles of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. They decided to continue their longstanding collaboration within the ASEAN-led architecture, including the East Asia Summit as the region’s premier leader-led forum and the ASEAN Regional Forum, to address the security and unique development challenges facing the region.
18. The leaders pledged to strengthen cooperation in the Pacific to address the needs and
priorities of Pacific Island countries without imposing unsustainable debt burdens. They affirmed their commitment to working within established Pacific architecture for regional engagement, in particular the Pacific Islands Forum and to supporting its implementing 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. Both countries will pursue expanding effective cooperation with other partners, including through the Partners in the Blue Pacific, on key areas of importance for the Pacific such as critical infrastructure, disaster recovery and resilience, and maritime security. They affirmed their commitment to take significant action on climate change, in recognition that climate change is the single greatest threat to the livelihoods, security and wellbeing of the region. Prime Minister Albanese welcomed the announcement of the opening of a Japanese Embassy in Tarawa, Republic of Kiribati and a Consulate Office in Noumea, New Caledonia.
19. As alliance partners of the United States, the leaders welcomed the strong and enduring contribution of the United States to stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The leaders also welcomed progress on the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) which will contribute to maintaining and enhancing the rules-based economic order and promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth in the region.
20. The leaders welcomed deepening engagement through the Quad to respond to the
region’s challenges, such as health security, climate change, infrastructure, peaceful use of outer space, critical and emerging technology, and cybersecurity. The leaders looked forward to the 2023 Quad Leaders’ Summit in Australia to advance the Quad’s positive and practical agenda.
21. The leaders reaffirmed the importance of enhancing cooperation with European partners, including through joint cooperation as NATO Asia Pacific Partners (AP4) members. Japan will also continue to support AUKUS.
22. The leaders committed to working closely together as Japan assumes its G7 presidency in 2023. As a non-G7 member, Australia looked forward to supporting Japan’s priorities, particularly on strategic issues facing the Indo-Pacific, including its prosperity and security. The leaders reiterated their support for both Indonesia’s G20 2022 presidency and India’s upcoming G20 2023 presidency.
23. The leaders condemned Russia for its illegal, unprovoked and unjustifiable war of
aggression against Ukraine as well as its irresponsible nuclear rhetoric. They welcomed the broad support for the resolution of the UN General Assembly on 12 October condemning Russia’s attempted illegal annexation of the Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhya and Kherson. They reaffirmed the purported “referenda” in Ukraine as well as the purported annexation constitute a violation of international law and will never be recognized. They urged Russia to immediately withdraw its troops and respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. They condemned Russia’s threat to use nuclear weapons against Ukraine as a serious and unacceptable menace to the peace and security of the international community, and stressed that any use of nuclear weapons would meet with unequivocal international opprobrium and resolute responses. They committed to continue to work with like-minded countries to maintain strong sanctions against
Russia and support Ukraine, and hold Russia accountable for its actions, and to work together to ensure similar actions will never be repeated including in the Indo-Pacific.
24. The leaders also expressed serious concerns about the situation in the East China Sea,
which undermines regional peace and stability. They shared the intention to remain in close
communication about the situation there and expressed strong opposition to any destabilising or coercive unilateral actions that seek to alter the status quo and increase tensions in the area.
25. The leaders reiterated serious concerns about the situation in the South China Sea and
underlined the importance of being able to exercise rights and freedoms consistent with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), including freedom of navigation and overflight. They strongly opposed any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion, including through the militarisation of disputed features and reaffirmed their strong objection to unlawful maritime claims and activities that are inconsistent with UNCLOS. They recalled that the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal decision is final and legally binding on the parties to the dispute. They called for any Code of Conduct in the South China Sea to be effective and substantive, and consistent with international law, in particular UNCLOS.
26. The leaders reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and encouraged the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues.
27. The leaders reiterated their shared commitment to a strong multilateral human rights
system and advancing human rights globally. They also encouraged further advocacy for the respect, protection and fulfilment of the rights of women and girls, and welcomed recent interactions between Australia’s Ambassador for Women and Girls and Japan’s Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on Women’s Empowerment. The leaders shared serious concerns about reported human rights abuses against Uyghur and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang, and noted the recent release of a report on the situation by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. They also expressed their grave concerns over the erosion of democratic elements of the Hong Kong Special
Administrative Region’s electoral system and the undermining of the rights and freedoms
guaranteed under the Hong Kong Basic Law and the Sino-British Joint Declaration.
28. The leaders condemned North Korea’s ongoing development of nuclear weapons and
ballistic missiles, reiterating their commitment to achieving the complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantlement of all nuclear weapons, other weapons of mass destruction, and ballistic missiles of all ranges of North Korea. They urged North Korea to comply with its obligations under the relevant UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs) and emphasised the importance of the international community fully implementing the UNSCRs. They called on North Korea to end human rights violations and to resolve the abductions issue immediately.
29. The leaders reiterated their grave concerns about the situation in Myanmar and called for the immediate cessation of violence against civilian populations, the release of all those unjustly detained, including foreigners, and unhindered humanitarian access. They expressed concern at the Myanmar military regime’s failure to duly implement ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus, and encouraged the international community to continue to work together to support an end to the violence and Myanmar’s return to the path of democracy.
30. The Leaders shared concerns about the catastrophic consequences of nuclear warfare for humanity, for the environment, and for civilisation. The leaders reaffirmed that the two countries would continue to work closely to maintain and strengthen the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) as the cornerstone of the international nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation regime, including through activities in the framework of the Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Initiative (NPDI). The leaders stressed that the 40-year long decline in global nuclear arsenals must be sustained and not reversed. Prime Minister Kishida welcomed Prime Minister Albanese’s interest in visiting the Hiroshima Peace memorial. Prime Minister Albanese welcomed Prime Minister Kishida's efforts on nuclear disarmament in line with "Hiroshima Action Plan", as well as the establishment of the "International Group of Eminent Persons for a world without nuclear weapons".
31. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to defend the UN Charter and multilateralism
based on the rule of law. They underscored their determination to work together to strengthen the multilateral system, including early reform of the United Nations Security Council. Prime Minister Kishida expressed his gratitude to Australia for its support for Japan’s permanent membership in a reformed Security Council.
the vital Special Strategic Partnership between Australia and Japan. The leaders reiterated their commitment to realise a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region that is inclusive and resilient.
Security and defence cooperation
2. The leaders today issued a renewed bilateral Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation
(JDSC) to guide the relationship over the next decade. Japan and Australia will deepen and expand cooperation to respond to the most pressing security challenges in our region.
3. The leaders welcomed the growth in security and defence cooperation. Prime Minister
Kishida expressed his resolve to examine all options necessary for national defence, including so-called “counterstrike capabilities”. Prime Minister Kishida stated his determination to fundamentally reinforce Japan’s defence capabilities within the next five years and secure substantial increase of its defence budget needed to effect it. Prime Minister Albanese strongly supported Prime Minister Kishida’s determination. They decided to continue to identify ways to enhance interoperability, including through expanding existing military exercises and training. They instructed ministers to build on the Reciprocal Access Agreement as early as possible once it enters into force, including enhancing defence activities in each other’s territories. They welcomed the announcement that
Japan Self-Defense Forces will train and exercise in northern Australia to increase interoperability with the Australian Defence Force. They recommitted to deepening bilateral collaboration in space, cyber, information sharing, and regional capacity-building.
Economic security cooperation
4. The leaders welcomed progress on bilateral cooperation to strengthen economic security, in particular through the Quad and the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative and pledged to further strengthen cooperation in this area. They decided to explore further opportunities to build stronger and more resilient supply chains, such as for semiconductors. The leaders committed to work together and with other interested countries to address and respond to economic coercion which undermines the international order based on international law and the rules-based multilateral trading system. Both countries will increase information sharing, and explore ways to respond to the
challenges.
5. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to elevating cooperation on critical and
emerging technology policies, including supporting technological design, development, protection, governance, and usage that promote shared values.
6. The leaders welcomed the upcoming Japan-Australia Policy Dialogue for Telecommunications Resilience and decided to enhance cooperation on telecommunications
resilience and security, which will harness critical and emerging technologies and build resilient and secure telecommunications networks. They decided to deepen cooperation on cybersecurity and cyber resilience, including through the Japan-Australia Cyber Policy Dialogue.
Climate, energy security and energy transition
7. The leaders recognised climate change is a major security and economic challenge for the region, as well as a source of economic opportunity in new clean energy industries and trade and committed to deepen cooperation on climate as a priority. They pledged to work together towards the effective implementation of their respective Paris Agreement commitments and to reduce emissions to net zero by 2050. The leaders pledged to continue to support initiatives that will advance clean energy technologies and supply chains including hydrogen and ammonia under the Japan-Australia Partnership on Decarbonisation through Technology, and through regional multilateral fora, including the Quad. They also pledged to support capacity building for Indo-Pacific countries to meet their international transparency commitments and advance high integrity carbon markets under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
8. In the wake of Russia's aggression against Ukraine and subsequent global energy market
volatility and fuel supply issues, the leaders reaffirmed the critical importance of enhancing energy security cooperation, including through secure and reliable energy resources trade and investment, such as in liquefied natural gas (LNG). The leaders recognised renewable and clean energy technologies provide a key opportunity to deliver improved energy security and economic prosperity while supporting the transformation to net zero emissions. They pledged to strengthen cooperation to ensure better access to affordable, reliable and secure clean energy in the Indo-Pacific as we move to a net zero world, including through the ongoing development of initiatives such as Japan’s Asia Zero Emissions Community Concept. Especially, they pledged to cooperate on the development
and deployment of renewables, hydrogen and ammonia markets and international supply chains in the Indo-Pacific.
9. The Leaders announced an Australia-Japan critical minerals partnership to build secure
critical mineral supply chains between Australia and Japan and promote investment and other areas of collaboration. Australia and Japan will work together to facilitate commercial arrangements, develop Australia’s domestic critical minerals sector, ensure Japan has the supply of critical minerals required for its advanced manufacturing industry, and to meet our respective emissions targets.
Trade and economic cooperation
10. The leaders reaffirmed the role of the Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement
(JAEPA) to the bilateral trade and investment relationship and reiterated their commitment to its full implementation.
11. The leaders confirmed their commitment to an open, free, fair, inclusive and rules-based multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core, which provides stability and predictability to global trade that all nations rely on for their prosperity. They welcomed the strong outcomes achieved at the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference and committed to work together to implement the outcomes, including to conduct discussions with a view to having a fully and well-functioning WTO dispute settlement system accessible to all Members by 2024. They reaffirmed their opposition to the use of economic coercion which undermines the rules-based multilateral trading system, and decided to work together and with other interested parties to respond to such behaviour.
12. The leaders reaffirmed the economic and strategic significance of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and looked forward to the Agreement’s continued implementation, and its expansion to those economies committed to the Agreement’s objectives, able to fully meet and adhere to its high standards and with a demonstrated pattern of complying with their trade commitments. They noted that economic coercion and unjustified restrictive trade practices are contrary to the objectives and high standards of the Agreement. They reaffirmed their commitments to the full implementation of the RCEP Agreement.
13. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to work together with Indo-Pacific partners to
meet their infrastructure needs. They noted the importance of sustainable, quality infrastructure to regional economic development and prosperity, and welcomed trilateral cooperation with the United States, as well as cooperation with India through the Quad.
14. In the wake of numerous natural disasters in Australia in recent years, the leaders
recognised the important role that satellite technology can play in assisting with disaster response, preparedness and preparation. They announced that Japan and Australia would strengthen cooperation for enhancing Australia’s extreme weather and multi-hazard monitoring capability by looking ahead to the successor to the Japanese geostationary meteorological satellite Himawari, from 2029-30.
15. The leaders confirmed in-principle support for Australia to be the landing site for the
Japanese Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) capsule, expected to launch in 2024. Leaders
welcomed this strong collaboration between Australia and Japan in space science research activities.
16. The leaders acknowledged the importance of women’s economic empowerment as a precondition to inclusive growth and to contribute to the strength, resilience and sustainability of the Indo-Pacific.
Global and regional cooperation
17. The leaders reiterated their unwavering support for ASEAN centrality and the principles of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. They decided to continue their longstanding collaboration within the ASEAN-led architecture, including the East Asia Summit as the region’s premier leader-led forum and the ASEAN Regional Forum, to address the security and unique development challenges facing the region.
18. The leaders pledged to strengthen cooperation in the Pacific to address the needs and
priorities of Pacific Island countries without imposing unsustainable debt burdens. They affirmed their commitment to working within established Pacific architecture for regional engagement, in particular the Pacific Islands Forum and to supporting its implementing 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. Both countries will pursue expanding effective cooperation with other partners, including through the Partners in the Blue Pacific, on key areas of importance for the Pacific such as critical infrastructure, disaster recovery and resilience, and maritime security. They affirmed their commitment to take significant action on climate change, in recognition that climate change is the single greatest threat to the livelihoods, security and wellbeing of the region. Prime Minister Albanese welcomed the announcement of the opening of a Japanese Embassy in Tarawa, Republic of Kiribati and a Consulate Office in Noumea, New Caledonia.
19. As alliance partners of the United States, the leaders welcomed the strong and enduring contribution of the United States to stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The leaders also welcomed progress on the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) which will contribute to maintaining and enhancing the rules-based economic order and promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth in the region.
20. The leaders welcomed deepening engagement through the Quad to respond to the
region’s challenges, such as health security, climate change, infrastructure, peaceful use of outer space, critical and emerging technology, and cybersecurity. The leaders looked forward to the 2023 Quad Leaders’ Summit in Australia to advance the Quad’s positive and practical agenda.
21. The leaders reaffirmed the importance of enhancing cooperation with European partners, including through joint cooperation as NATO Asia Pacific Partners (AP4) members. Japan will also continue to support AUKUS.
22. The leaders committed to working closely together as Japan assumes its G7 presidency in 2023. As a non-G7 member, Australia looked forward to supporting Japan’s priorities, particularly on strategic issues facing the Indo-Pacific, including its prosperity and security. The leaders reiterated their support for both Indonesia’s G20 2022 presidency and India’s upcoming G20 2023 presidency.
23. The leaders condemned Russia for its illegal, unprovoked and unjustifiable war of
aggression against Ukraine as well as its irresponsible nuclear rhetoric. They welcomed the broad support for the resolution of the UN General Assembly on 12 October condemning Russia’s attempted illegal annexation of the Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhya and Kherson. They reaffirmed the purported “referenda” in Ukraine as well as the purported annexation constitute a violation of international law and will never be recognized. They urged Russia to immediately withdraw its troops and respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. They condemned Russia’s threat to use nuclear weapons against Ukraine as a serious and unacceptable menace to the peace and security of the international community, and stressed that any use of nuclear weapons would meet with unequivocal international opprobrium and resolute responses. They committed to continue to work with like-minded countries to maintain strong sanctions against
Russia and support Ukraine, and hold Russia accountable for its actions, and to work together to ensure similar actions will never be repeated including in the Indo-Pacific.
24. The leaders also expressed serious concerns about the situation in the East China Sea,
which undermines regional peace and stability. They shared the intention to remain in close
communication about the situation there and expressed strong opposition to any destabilising or coercive unilateral actions that seek to alter the status quo and increase tensions in the area.
25. The leaders reiterated serious concerns about the situation in the South China Sea and
underlined the importance of being able to exercise rights and freedoms consistent with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), including freedom of navigation and overflight. They strongly opposed any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion, including through the militarisation of disputed features and reaffirmed their strong objection to unlawful maritime claims and activities that are inconsistent with UNCLOS. They recalled that the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal decision is final and legally binding on the parties to the dispute. They called for any Code of Conduct in the South China Sea to be effective and substantive, and consistent with international law, in particular UNCLOS.
26. The leaders reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and encouraged the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues.
27. The leaders reiterated their shared commitment to a strong multilateral human rights
system and advancing human rights globally. They also encouraged further advocacy for the respect, protection and fulfilment of the rights of women and girls, and welcomed recent interactions between Australia’s Ambassador for Women and Girls and Japan’s Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on Women’s Empowerment. The leaders shared serious concerns about reported human rights abuses against Uyghur and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang, and noted the recent release of a report on the situation by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. They also expressed their grave concerns over the erosion of democratic elements of the Hong Kong Special
Administrative Region’s electoral system and the undermining of the rights and freedoms
guaranteed under the Hong Kong Basic Law and the Sino-British Joint Declaration.
28. The leaders condemned North Korea’s ongoing development of nuclear weapons and
ballistic missiles, reiterating their commitment to achieving the complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantlement of all nuclear weapons, other weapons of mass destruction, and ballistic missiles of all ranges of North Korea. They urged North Korea to comply with its obligations under the relevant UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs) and emphasised the importance of the international community fully implementing the UNSCRs. They called on North Korea to end human rights violations and to resolve the abductions issue immediately.
29. The leaders reiterated their grave concerns about the situation in Myanmar and called for the immediate cessation of violence against civilian populations, the release of all those unjustly detained, including foreigners, and unhindered humanitarian access. They expressed concern at the Myanmar military regime’s failure to duly implement ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus, and encouraged the international community to continue to work together to support an end to the violence and Myanmar’s return to the path of democracy.
30. The Leaders shared concerns about the catastrophic consequences of nuclear warfare for humanity, for the environment, and for civilisation. The leaders reaffirmed that the two countries would continue to work closely to maintain and strengthen the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) as the cornerstone of the international nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation regime, including through activities in the framework of the Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Initiative (NPDI). The leaders stressed that the 40-year long decline in global nuclear arsenals must be sustained and not reversed. Prime Minister Kishida welcomed Prime Minister Albanese’s interest in visiting the Hiroshima Peace memorial. Prime Minister Albanese welcomed Prime Minister Kishida's efforts on nuclear disarmament in line with "Hiroshima Action Plan", as well as the establishment of the "International Group of Eminent Persons for a world without nuclear weapons".
31. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to defend the UN Charter and multilateralism
based on the rule of law. They underscored their determination to work together to strengthen the multilateral system, including early reform of the United Nations Security Council. Prime Minister Kishida expressed his gratitude to Australia for its support for Japan’s permanent membership in a reformed Security Council.