Takaichi, Albanese Strengthen Defense, Energy, Minerals Ties

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi met Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra on Monday for her first visit to the country as leader, agreeing to expand cooperation on defense, energy security and critical minerals amid global supply disruptions from the Middle East conflict.

The talks at Parliament House marked the 50th anniversary of the Japan-Australia Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, which has evolved their postwar relationship into a trade partnership valued at nearly 108 billion Australian dollars annually. Takaichi and Albanese discussed regional issues including China, Southeast Asia, Pacific Island nations, North Korean nuclear missiles and abductions, as well as the Middle East, particularly the impact of the Iran war and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

"We held strategic discussions on issues beginning with China, Southeast Asia, Pacific Island countries, and responses to issues of nuclear missiles and abductions of North Korea among others," Takaichi said through an interpreter. Both leaders pledged to strengthen ties with the United States and frameworks such as the Quad, grouping Australia, Japan, India and the United...