Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Defence Minister Richard Marles are flying to Japan tomorrow to attend the annual Australia-Japan 2×2 talks.

They’ll meet the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs, H.E Iwaya Takeshi and Minister of Defense, H.E. Nakatani Gen.

Minister Marles says the talks will focus on shared geostrategic priorities like economic ties, cyber security, regional security, and multilateral affairs. 

Penny Wong said:

Australia and Japan are strategic partners and close friends, with a relationship built on trust, aligned values, and mutual interests. Together, we support a free and open Indo-Pacific that is inclusive and resilient. Our relationship with Japan is going from strength to strength, underpinned by increasing alignment and a shared commitment to upholding a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.

Richard Marles said:

Japan is an indispensable partner for Australia. Our defence and security ties are underpinned by a growing strategic alignment and deep trust. This year has been a milestone year of defence cooperation, which included the largest ever Japanese participation in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, and I look to furthering our discussions while in Tokyo.