Japan-Australia strengthen defense cooperation

During the Australian Prime Minister's visit to Japan last April, the two sides discussed an agreement in the fields of defense science, technology and equipment.

On June 11, Japan and Australia held a meeting of Foreign and Defense Ministers, called the “2+2” meeting, in an effort to strengthen bilateral defense cooperation.

The meeting followed Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott's visit to Japan in April, during which the two sides reached a free trade agreement.

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott (left) meets Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (Photo: Reuters)

Speaking on June 10, Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera said that, “through joint exercises with Australia, the two sides can strengthen cooperation in the fields of humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, maritime security cooperation and international peacekeeping operations.”

During Mr. Abbott’s recent visit to Japan, the two sides discussed an agreement in the field of defense science, technology and equipment. Accordingly, the two countries will cooperate in developing defense technology such as submarine construction technology and establish a basis for defense cooperation./.

According to VOV