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A new agreement has been struck to deepen ties between the Indo-Pacific partners.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Japanese counterpart, Kishida Fumio, have signed a Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation (JDSC), which updates a 2007 commitment to enhance bilateral defence and security ties.
The new JDSC recommits the nations to cooperation over the next decade across:
- defence;
- intelligence sharing;
- energy transition;
- climate change;
- humanitarian assistance and disaster response;
- health security;
- maritime security; and
- economic security.
Underpinning the JDSC are shared ambitions to foster a “free and open Indo-Pacific that is inclusive and resilient”.
As part of the new agreement, the nations have agreed to consult each other on contingencies with the potential to “affect their sovereignty and regional security interests”, and the subsequent response.
This builds on Australia and Japan’s Special Strategic Partnership and the Australia–Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement.
In a joint statement, the nations said the JDSC would “drive a broadening and deepening of defence and security engagement”, including “closer cooperation on defence capabilities” and “more sophisticated training between defence forces”.
“The Australia–Japan relationship is unique and of benefit to the whole region given our shared values and interests,” Prime Minister Albanese said.
“Together we are accelerating each other’s efforts to realise a stable, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
“The signing of the updated Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation today will serve as a compass for our security cooperation for the next decade.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles said the JDSC would support shared efforts to “strengthening regional stability and building regional resilience”.
“The updated JDSC builds on the Reciprocal Access Agreement and will guide the continued enhancement of interoperability between our defence forces,” he affirmed.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong added: “The updated JDSC is a significant milestone for Australia and Japan as we work together and with our neighbours to realise a stable, peaceful and prosperous region.”
[Related: Australia-Japan RAA signed: defence forces to operate together ‘seamlessly’]
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