Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a Special Meeting of the National Security Council (Meeting among Four Ministers) at the Prime Minister's Office.
The meeting was also attended by the Hon. Tony Abbott, Prime Minister of Australia, and discussion took place on future Japan-Australia security cooperation.
The Prime Minister said in his opening address,
“The National Security Council was inaugurated just last year. Prime Minister Abbott is the first foreign head of state to attend this National Security Council.
I believe that his attendance is proof of how strongly connected Japan and Australia are through bonds of trust.
Prime Minister Abbott has stated that Japan is Australia’s “best friend in Asia.” I too believe that Australia is a “special partner” for Japan. This is because Japan and Australia are both located in the Asia-Pacific region; share universal values such as freedom, democracy, basic human rights, and the rule of law; and share the strategic interest of ensuring peace, security, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region. 
Today, we will discuss security cooperation with our “special partner” Australia. Tony, I hope to exchange opinions on how we can further elevate the close security cooperation between our two countries to another level, and contribute to regional stability.”