[Provisional Translation]
I am Sanae TAKAICHI, Prime Minister of Japan.
First, I would like to express my sincere respect and appreciation to the Australia-Japan Society and the Australia Japan Business Co-operation Committee for their efforts in organizing today’s commemorative dinner. I am deeply honored to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the signing of the NARA Treaty together with all of you.
During my visit to Canberra last month, I received a wonderful and warm welcome from Governor-General Mostyn, Prime Minister Albanese, and the people of Australia. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude once again.
Japan-Australia relations, which began with the trade of wool and coal, have continued to develop through the enhancement of economic ties and have now expanded into deeper cooperation across numerous areas, including security, as exemplified by Australia’s decision to select Japan’s Mogami-class frigates. I stated that Japan and Australia, cooperating closely in every respect, have built a relationship as front runners in cooperation among like-minded countries by advancing pioneering security cooperation, reaching a level that could even be described as a “quasi-ally.” Prime Minister Albanese and I have reaffirmed our shared determination to elevate Japan-Australia relations to new heights, looking ahead to the next half-century.
That said, such a close relationship cannot be built through government-to-government cooperation alone. The foundation of our strong Japan-Australia relationship lies in the vibrant, multi-layered people-to-people ties that have been cultivated over many years. Today’s dinner is a perfect illustration of this.
The NARA Treaty has also served as a vital foundation for sustaining and nurturing the friendship and cooperation between Japan and Australia, and for supporting the development of our bilateral relationship to this day.
These people-to-people exchanges are flourishing more than ever today.
Last year, the number of visitors between our two countries exceeded 1.4 million for the first time, setting a new record. In addition, there are as many as 107 sister-city and sister-state relationships between Japan and Australia, including the one between Nara City, my hometown, and Canberra, supporting grassroots exchanges. I am firmly convinced that these multi-layered people-to-people ties are the true source of strength in Japan-Australia relations.
The distinguished guests gathered here today are individuals who have long supported and nurtured the friendly relations between our two nations in countless ways. I would like to reiterate my deepest gratitude for your dedicated efforts, and I ask that you continue to serve as bridges of friendship between Japan and Australia, passing this bond on to the next generation.
In conclusion, I offer my heartfelt wishes for the next 50 years to be even more fruitful for our two countries, and that you all enjoy good health and happiness.
Thank you very much.