JAVVLI
PRIME MINISTER 17th June, 1976.
Speech given by the Prime Minister, at the Return Banquet Japan.
It was quite soon after the Australian Elections that I
decided to make this visit to your country.
I have long believed that the quality of the relationship
between Australia and Japan is of enormous importance to both
our countries.
Its importance, I believe, extends beyond our two countries
to the western Pacific region as a whole.
For this reason my Government has placed considerable weight on
consolidating that relationship, and as far as possible,
dispelling uncertainties that might stand in the way of further
broadening the links between us.
I have felt that my visit would give recognition to the extent
of the relationship which has developed and help chart its
future course.
I have particularly valued, Mr. Prime Minister, the opportunity
to discuss with you the various matters which properly and
inevitably arias in the growing relationship between
Australia and Japan.
I have appreciated the frankness and scope of our discussions,
and the further contribution I believe these discussions have
made to mutual understanding.
Though we trace our cultural inheritance through different lines
it is clear that Australia and Japan now have much in commons
Both Japan and Australia are democratic, industrialised,
Island countries:
Both are nations which take pride in the extent and
quality of their trade, and look to expand that trade:
Both are located in the Western Pacific, and both
recognise interests in the peace and security of that
regionj Both have a special treaty relationship with-the United
States, which we each approach with a strong recognition
of the independent contribution we make to that
relationship. se/ 2
In a world suffering from disturbing forces of instability it
is to these alliances that we look as the most important means
of actively supplementing the efforts we make to protect our
own security.
These shared concerns arising from the commnon elements in
our situation have been very much in mind during our discussions.
We have, of course, been mainly concerned with matters particularly
related to the Japan-Australia relationship.
The basic treaty has recognised the extent to which our interests
have become complementary and our peoples interdependent.
It gives a new political dimension to Australia-Japan
relations. One indication of the importance we attach to
this treaty is the fact that Japan is the only country
with which we have concluded a treaty of friendship.
The mere existence of the treaty will not mean that no uncertainties
or difficulties can arise between us:
In an economic relationship as extensive as ours,
problems will inevitably develop from time to time:
The treaty will, however, provide a frame-work within
which problems can be more easily solved.
Much of our discussion has dealt with matters arising from our
commercial relationship.
* We hkve discussed the question of assuring access to
to each other's markets, and conditions for investment
in Australia..
On both these issues I have made it clear that Australia will
act fully within the spirit of the treaty we have just concluded.
Japan can be assured of fair and equitable treatment.
I think we have been able to dispel a number of doubts and pave
the way for an even closer economic relationship.
our discussions hAve not been limited to economic matters
neither in their content nor in their significance.
The treaty recognises the need for a broader-relationship.
In our disucssions we have reached agreement on the heed for greater
cultural and social exhanges.
Australia has taken action towards these ends throughl
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The establishment of the Australia Japan foundation;
Regular exhange visits by parliamentary delegations;
Arrangements for the attachment of Japanese civil servants
to the Australian Public Service;
Proposals for expanded cultural contacts, and
greater co-operation in science.
In our discussions on international issues we have similarly found
accord.
This is not at all surprising. We Eare so many basic interests.
We both place a high value on our alliances.
But we are not, for that reason, any less concerned to
develop constructive and co-operative relations with all
countries in the neighbourhood that are prepared to
reciprocate.
We share an interest in the peaceful development of Asia
and the Pacific.
We are both concerned that the pattern of relationships
between countries in the area and the strategic balance
there should be stable.
As nations for whom trade is so important, we both need
reliable and secure access to the large consumer markets
of the world.
Our discussions have taken place against this background of
common interests.
There has also been another very important element the generous
hospitality and the unfailing kindness you have shown me during
my visit.
I take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation.
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