(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
Today, commencing at 4:30 p.m., I held the Japan-Australia Defence Video Teleconference with the Hon Richard Marles MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence of Australia, for approximately 15 minutes. I congratulated Minister Marles on his victory in the recent federal election and on his reappointment as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, and conveyed my intention to work closely with Minister Marles and further promote defence cooperation between the two countries. While it was brief, it was very meaningful to exchange views soon after Minister Marles’ reappointment. Japan and Australia, which fully share the same values and strategic objectives, are the central pillar of the coordination among like-minded countries. I will ask staff to make arrangements to hold talks in person with Minister Marles as early as possible. I also invited Minister Marles to Japan for the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.