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The ministers are set to travel to the United States and Japan to discuss furthering defence and security ties, including via AUKUS.
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Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles and Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong are set to travel to the United States and Japan from 6 to 9 December for AUSMIN and Australia-Japan Foreign and Defence Ministerial Consultations (2+2).
The talks aim to advance defence and security cooperation in a bid to foster a “peaceful, stable and prosperous” Indo-Pacific.
Discussions with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd J Austin III are expected to involve furthering the integration of technology and industrial bases.
Deputy PM Marles is also scheduled to participate in the first in-person AUKUS Defence Ministers’ Meeting since the inception of the deal, joined by UK Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace and US Secretary of Defense Austin.
Meanwhile, discussions with Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and Minister of Defense Yasukazu Hamada are expected to centre on progressing the renewed Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation, signed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in October.
“I look forward to visiting the United States again as we continue to bolster the relationship with our closest alliance partner,” Deputy PM Marles said.
“While there, I will also take part in the first AUKUS Defence Ministers’ Meeting which will see us progress developments in advanced capabilities and discuss the optimal pathway for Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines.
“The current challenging strategic circumstances mean that alignment between our international partners, including the United States and Japan, has never been stronger, or more important.”
Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong noted the importance of building ties with the United States — Australia’s “vital security ally and our closest global partner”.
“US engagement in the Indo-Pacific makes an indispensable contribution to regional prosperity and strategic balance,” she said.
“Our relationship with Japan is more comprehensive and more important than ever.
“Australia, the United States and Japan are partnering on shared priorities in our region, including climate change, economic development and security — helping create a region that is stable, prosperous and respectful of sovereignty.”
[Related: Marles touts regional benefits of AUKUS capability]
