Thursday, September 25, 2008
Japan-Australia Summit Meeting
Photograph of the Japan-Australia Summit Meeting
At the meeting, the leaders confirmed a steadily strengthening strategic partnership between Japan and Australia, and agreed to cooperate to further develop Japan-Australia relations in all areas including security and the economy. On a related note, Prime Minister Aso took the opportunity to once again express Japan's appreciation of the cooperation provided, in Samawah, to Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force by the Australian Army. Prime Minister Rudd stated that he would cooperate with Prime Minister Aso in efforts to conclude an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that would enhance the interests of both economies.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Rudd expressed his hope of resolving the whaling issue through diplomacy and continued discussions with Prime Minister Aso. In response, Prime Minister Aso stated that he, too, hopes to continue discussions on the issue on various occasions, including at bilateral meetings and meetings of the International Whaling Commission (IWC), so as to prevent the whaling issue from hindering good bilateral relations.
At the joint press announcement that followed, Prime Minister Aso and Prime Minister Rudd announced that the members of an international commission on nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament had been decided. Following consultations between the commission's co-chairs -- Ms. Yoriko Kawaguchi, former Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, and Mr. Gareth Evans, former Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia -- the members were selected after the co-chairs received confirmations from the respective candidates for membership.
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Photograph of the Japan-Australia Joint Press Announcement
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