Japan and Australia strengthen defense cooperation.

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

On June 11, Japan and Australia held a meeting of their Foreign and Defence Ministers, known as the “2+2” meeting, in an effort to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation.

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

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott (left) meets with 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 areas 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 shipbuilding and establishing the foundation for defense cooperation.

According to VOV