The Japanese Minister of Defense Itsunori Onodera is in Australia to discuss ways in which the defence relationship between the two nations could deepen.
Minister for Defence David Johnston and the Japanese Minister of Defense Itsunori Onodera have met in Perth for their first official meeting to discuss ways in which the defence relationship between the two nations could deepen.
While in Western Australia, Minister Onodera also visited HMAS Stirling and RAAF Base Pearce to see first-hand the operations in support of the search for missing Malaysian flight MH370.
Senator Johnston said he expected the Defence and Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue, scheduled for June, to provide an opportunity for further discussions.
“Based on my discussions with Minister Onodera today, I am confident that we are on track to developing some tangible means by which Australia and Japan can further deepen practical defence cooperation,” he said.
Senator Johnston said it was likely Australia and Japan would oversee research on marine hydrodynamics as an initial area of science and technology cooperation, in addition to negotiating a framework agreement on defence science, technology and equipment.
Today’s meeting follows Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s visit to Japan earlier this month during which he and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced Australia and Japan would enhance practical defence cooperation.
The Japanese Minister of Defense Itsunori Onodera is in Australia to discuss ways in which the defence relationship between the two nations could deepen.
