Japan’s defence minister heads to Australia to meet Marles in wake of melon-gate controversy
Japan's defence minister, Shinjiro Koizumi, is visiting Australia to discuss security cooperation and the acquisition of Mogami-class frigates. The visit aims to stabilize relations following a diplomatic controversy involving comments made by Australian PM Anthony Albanese.
Why it matters
Strengthening the Australia-Japan security partnership is a key strategic priority in the Indo-Pacific region, despite recent diplomatic friction.
Australian defence minister, Richard Marles (L), with Japanese defence minister, Shinjiro Koizumi, at a defence ministers meeting in Tokyo earlier this year. Australian defence minister, Richard Marles (L), with Japanese defence minister, Shinjiro Koizumi, at a defence ministers meeting in Tokyo earlier this year. Japan Japan’s defence minister heads to Australia to meet Marles in wake of melon-gate controversy Discussions to focus on Australia’s acquisition of Mogami-class frigates as Japan plays down Albanese’s podcast comments
Prefer the Guardian on Google Japan’s defence minister will visit Canberra this week, the highest level engagement with Australia after controversy over Anthony Albanese’s comments about a gift of melons from prime minister Sanae Takaichi.
The defence minister, Shinjiro Koizumi, will meet his counterpart and deputy prime minister, Richard Marles , on Tuesday, with discussions focused on Australia’s acquisition of Japan’s Mogami-class frigates and enhanced security cooperation.
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