Japan-Australia Defense Ministers' Telephone Conversation

On October 12, 2020, Minister KISHI held a telephone conversation with Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC, Minister for Defence of Australia for approximately 30 minutes.

1. Minister Reynolds congratulated Minister Kishi on his appointment as Minister of Defense. Minister Kishi expressed his appreciation.
2. The two ministers exchanged views on current regional situation including North Korea, the East China Sea, and the South China Sea, and reaffirmed their continued close cooperation. In light of the current incidents occurring in the region, the ministers agreed to maintain the communication on the situation by exchanging views and to send a clear message that the ministers strongly oppose any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by coercion, and any activities that escalate tension, and that a free and open maritime order based on the rule of law is important.
3. Minister Kishi expressed his hope to deepen the discussion on Japan and Australia’s defense cooperation on countering against the spread and ramifications of COVID-19 in Indo-Pacific region.
4. In addition, the two ministers affirmed they would continue to vigorously promote bilateral defense cooperation and exchanges to uphold and reinforce the Free and Open Indo-Pacific while maintaining communication between the defense authorities.
5. Minister Reynolds expressed her willingness to visit Japan at the earliest possible date and Minister Kishi welcomed the idea and responded that he would actively cooperate in order to realize such a visit.