Glasgow, 8 November 2021 (TDI): The Prime Minister of Japan, Kishida Fumio held a Summit meeting with Scott Morrison, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26). Japanese Prime Minister also addressed the COP26 Summit, earlier.

The two leaders discussed a multitude of issues of mutual concern. They concurred to jointly work under the “Special Strategic Partnership” for the realization of “Free and Open Indo-Pacific”. Australia and Japan agree to advance bilateral as well as multilateral cooperation.

The Japanese Prime Minister appreciated the commitment of Australia to attain net-zero emissions by 2050. During the meeting, they also exchanged views on the situation and actions of North Korea. The two leaders emphasized collaboration on global issues like climate change.

Both island countries are experiencing the drastic aftermath of Climate Change. In Japan, the temperature and rainfall have increased rapidly. Whereas in Australia, higher temperatures, more extreme droughts, fire seasons, floods, and more extreme weather have become common because of climate change.

Japan and Australia enjoy strong bilateral ties. In 2020 Japan was the third-largest trade partner of Australia, with trade valued at $66.3 billion. The ties between the two have evolved into a strategic partnership in the Asia-Pacific region based on joint interest.