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Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong will travel to Japan this week for high-level talks aimed at deepening defence and foreign policy cooperation between the two countries.
The visit, set for 5 September, marks the 12th Australia–Japan Foreign and Defence Ministers’ “2+2” meeting, bringing together Marles and Wong with Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi and Defence Minister Nakatani Gen.
Discussions are expected to centre on shared strategic priorities in the Indo-Pacific, including regional security, cyber resilience, multilateral engagement, and strengthening economic and technological ties.
For Australia, the talks come at a time of growing security challenges in the region and follow Japan’s largest-ever contribution to Exercise Talisman Sabre earlier this year, a sign of the two nations’ increasingly integrated defence relationship.
Marles said Japan had become one of Australia’s most important strategic partners, saying: “Japan is an indispensable partner for Australia. Our defence and security ties are underpinned by a growing strategic alignment and deep trust.
“This year has been a milestone for defence cooperation, and I look forward to advancing our discussions in Tokyo.”
Foreign Minister, Senator Penny Wong, emphasised that the partnership with Japan was central to Australia’s vision of a stable and open Indo-Pacific, saying: “Australia and Japan are strategic partners and close friends, with a relationship built on trust, aligned values, and mutual interests.
“Together, we support a free and open Indo-Pacific that is inclusive and resilient.”
The Australia–Japan “2+2” forum has become a cornerstone of regional diplomacy, providing a platform for both countries to coordinate responses to regional tensions, bolster cooperation under their Special Strategic Partnership, and work with allies to maintain a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
