Tokyo, 19 August 2022 (TDI): Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada held a telecon meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles for the defense of Australia.
Both the ministers agreed to enhance the bilateral relationship and agreed to strengthen the collaboration in the defense sector.
Aug 19, #DMHamada held a telecon with @RichardMarlesMP, Deputy Prime Minister/Minister for Defence of 🇦🇺. They agreed to continue to vigorously promote 🇯🇵🇦🇺 defense cooperation and exchanges for upholding and reinforcing a #FreeandOpenIndoPacific. pic.twitter.com/rRtjLaHJiD
— Japan Ministry of Defense/Self-Defense Forces (@ModJapan_en) August 19, 2022
Furthermore, this cooperation is to make the Indo-Pacific free and open to all kinds of trade. Moreover, it promotes regional integration among the countries for the empowerment of the people of the region.
The incumbent ministers agreed to continue promoting defense cooperation and exchanges for upholding and reinforcing a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Moroever, Japan and Australia have been cooperating militarily to make Australia and Japan peaceful through maritime security for decades.
In July 2019, Japan participated as part of the United States forces at exercise TALISMAN SABRE in Australia.
This was the Japan Self-Defense force’s third and largest contribution with two major warships and around 850 personnel involved.
Cooperation in Disaster Management:
In September 2019, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and the Royal Australian Air Force conducted Exercise BUSHIDO GUARDIAN.
Moreover, their first bilateral fighter exercise in Japan was based out of Chitose Air Base in Hokkaido.
Australia and Japan have also collaborated in rescue operations during various global disaster crises.
These rescue missions include Malaysia Airlines Flight 370. Moreover the relief activities after the 2013 Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.
Furthermore, operations to rescue the people of japan after the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. In 2020, Japan responded with two C-130 Aircraft to Australia to normalize the severe bushfire season.
The Japan and Australia Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) was also signed on 6 January 2022. This treaty was significantly marked as a “Landmark Treaty” as stated by Australian Premier Scott Morison.
These treaties aimed to make a peaceful Indo-pacific for enhancement of bilateral trade and to empower People-to-People diplomacy that will strengthen the relationship between the nations.
