The Assistant Minister for Defence, Mr Stuart Robert MP, today met with Japanese Parliamentary Senior Vice Minister of Defense Mr Ryota Takeda.
This is Mr Takeda’s first visit to Australia in his capacity as Parliamentary Senior Vice Minister of Defense.
“Australia and Japan are important security partners who are both committed to strengthening our defence and security cooperation in the region,” Mr Robert said.
Mr Robert used the opportunity to discuss the bilateral defence relationship, defence policy, and regional security issues with Vice Minister Takeda. Mr Robert noted the government values the close economic and security partnerships with Japan based on shared democratic values and common interests in a liberal, rules-based order in the region and the world.
“Australia and Japan are long standing defence partners in the region. We are operating alongside each other in South Sudan and in the provision of relief to the Philippines following the devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan.
“We also enjoy a comprehensive program of bilateral exercises and senior level dialogue,” Mr Robert said.