(Press Release)
June 3, 2023
Japan Ministry of Defense
1 On June 3, 2023, Defense Minister Hamada Yasukazu, who is visiting Singapore for attending the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue, held a meeting for approximately 35 minutes from 18:15 (local time) with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles, Philippine Senior Undersecretary and Officer in Charge of the Department of National Defense Carlito Galvez, and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. It was the inaugural defense ministerial meeting between these four countries.
2 The four defense leaders discussed reginal issues of common interest and opportunities to expand cooperation. Also, they affirmed that they share a vision for a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” and collectively make efforts to ensure the vision continues to thrive.
3 The Ministry of Defense/Self-Defense Forces will continue to strengthen cooperation with allied and like-minded countries.
Japan-Australia-Philippines-U.S. Defense Ministerial Meeting(PDF)