(Press Release: Provisional Translation)
July 9, 2026
Ministry of Defense Japan
On July 8, Minister Koizumi, who is visiting Türkiye to attend the NATO Ankara Summit, held a meeting with Hon Pat Conroy MP, Australian Minister for Defence Industry and Minister for the Pacific Islands Affairs, and Hon Chris Penk, New Zealand Minister of Defence.
- The three Ministers welcomed the second ministerial meeting among the three countries’ defense authorities, since May this year. The three Ministers exchanged views on the security environment in the Indo-Pacific region and confirmed that the three countries would continue to work together toward realizing a free and open Indo-Pacific that is inclusive and resilient.
- The three Ministers welcomed the fact that JS Kumano, a Mogami-class frigate that returned to Japan last month, enhanced interoperability and people-to-people exchanges through its visits to Australia and New Zealand. They also confirmed that the three countries would continue to strengthen their cooperation by making use of various opportunities in the future. In addition, the Ministers exchanged views on New Zealand’s potential replacement of its frigates, noting that no decision has been made by New Zealand and that advice on next steps is expected to be provided to the New Zealand Cabinet by the end of 2027.
- The Ministers expressed concern regarding the missile launch announced by China on 6 July and shared the recognition that China's military activities and other activities have become a serious concern for the international community.
- Minister Koizumi noting that both Australia and New Zealand have been actively advancing cooperation with the Pacific Island countries, the three Ministers shared the view that trilateral cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region contributes to regional peace and stability.