SPEECH GIVEN BY PRIME MINISTER
BASIC TREATY SIGNING CEREMONY 17 JUNE 1976
This is an occasion born of goodwill and mutual interests.
On Australia's part this Treaty is a recognition of the high
respect we have for Japan and of the confidence we place in
Japan for the future.
The signing of this Basic Treaty of Friendship and Co-operation
marks the deepening relationship between Australia and Japan.
That relationship has developed over many years. This Treaty
provides a firm basis for its future growth.
In the past Australia and Japan have been linked largely by
our commercial ties ties which are of great benefit to us
both. The Treaty recognises the importance of our commercial
interdependence, and our mutual interests in each being a
reliable supplier to and market for the other. The Treaty is
an indication of our mutual desire to secure and strengthen that
relationship.
Australia welcomes also the prospect of broadening our relationsbeyond
the purely commercial to scientific, cultural, education
and other fields.
Two peoples whose futures are as closely linked as ours ought to
have a deeper understanding of each other.
Committed as we are to democratic institutions and to respect for
each person, increased contact across the range of interests of
our peoples can be expected to strengthen understanding of each other.
As an indication of our desire to see these links develop we have
recently established the Australia-Japan Foundation. We place
great importance on its work. The Foundation will conduct
programmes aimed at expanding the links between the people of
Australia and Japan.
The Treaty also commits both countries to facilitating travel
between us.
The Treaty does not imply, in any sense, an exclusive relationship.
Both Japan and Australia have an increasingly important role to
play in the future in the Asia-Pacific region. The greater
understanding and the closer ties between the two countries should be
used to benefit the countries of the Western Pacific and strengthen
peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region. our relationship 2/
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should develop for the common good of all the peoples of the
region. It is with a sense of very great satisfaction, Mr. Prime Minister,
that I am signing this Treaty on behalf of the Australian
Government and the Australian people.
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