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THE HONOURABLE PAUL KEATING
PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA
and
HIS EXCELLENCY MR KUICHI MIYAZAWA
PRIME MINISTER OF JAPAN
JOINT PRESS STATEMENT ON ASIA-PACIFIC PERSPECTIVES
At their meeting today Prime Ministers Keating and Miyazawa affirmed
the value of theAustralia-Japan relationship and their confidence in the future
benefits it will bring to both countries and to the Asia-Pacific region._
2. A major theme of the discussion at the meeting was shared recognition
of the momentous changes in the Asia-Pacific region following the end of the
ColdWar. The two leaders noted especially that new opportunities and
c hallenges also derive from the continuing dynamism of Asia-Pacific
economies and increasing moves towards regional t rading arrangements. They
confirmed their resolve to address the changes now unfolding in the region
from a long-term perspective, and in ways that further promote the cooperative
relations that have been nurtured so far in the region. They reaffirmed their
readiness to cooperate jointly with other Asia-Pacific nations in the furtherance
of peace and prosperity in the region.
3. The two Prime Ministers reiterated the view of their Governments that
the engagement of the United States is of fundamental importance to the peace
and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region, with the presence of US forces ' in the
Western Pacific serving as a stabilising factor. They noted that the respective
defence relationships of Australia and Japan with the United States, including
Japan's substantial host-nation support for US forces, made a significant
contribution to regional stability.
4. The two leaders affirmed that Australia and Japan are resolved to
cooperate where feasible in the resolution of regional issues of conflict. Prime
Minister Keating supported a more active Japanese international role and
welcomed Japan's decision to participate inUnited Nations peace-keing
activities. The two Prime Ministers reaffirmeid their'fu* lsupport for the role
played by the United Nations in Cambodia. They confirmed that Australia and
Japan would continue to cooperate closely in efforts to move the peace process
forward.
They welcomed the improved diplomatic environment on and
surrounding the Korean peninsula,_ and expressed hope for a further reduction
of tension. They underlined their grave concern about North Korea's suspected
nuclear weapons _ program, and insisted on the necessity of the full
implementation of the IAEA Safeguards Agreement and of an effective
bilateral inspection regime.
6. Prime Ministers Keating and Miyazawa welcomed the valuable
contribution of the Association of South-East Asian Nations ( ASEAN)
towards regional cooperation. They noted the growing significance of the
ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference process as a forum for dialogue on
regional security. They supported regional security dialogue in order to
improve mutual reassurance and stability, while recognising the importance of
existing sub-regional approaches for the resolution of specific disputes.
7. In discussing the outlook for the world economy and the implications for
the Australian and Japanese national economies, they noted that the Asia-
Pacific region contains some of the fastest growing economies in the world,
and * that its future prosperity would depend significantly on trade growth. They
also recognised that the region's economic success to date dem-onstrated the
benefits of the globalisation of economic activity through worldwide
integration of trade, investment and technology.
8. The two leaders reaffirmed the fundamental importance Australia and
Japan attach to the maintenance of an open, non-discriminatory, multilateral
trade systemq. They accorded priority to an early and successful conclusion of
the Uruguay Round, which will provide a significant and needed boost to the
world economy. They noted that a balanced outcome was within reach,
involving positive results for industrial and agricultural products, rule-making
areas, and new areas such as services. They stressed that a demonstration of
political will by all participants will be needed if these benefits for the world
economy are to be realised in good time.
9. In noting the increasing trend towards regional trading arrangements, the
two leaders emphasised the view of their Governments that such arrangements
should be open and consistent with GATT and other international obligations,
and should contribute to expansion of the world economy without adversely
affecting the interests of third countries in trade and other areas.
Both Prime Ministers reaffirmed their support for Asia-Pacific
Economic Cooperation ( APf~ g _ as an essential mechanism for open regional
economic cooperation. They also reaffirmed their intention to continue
promoting its role in the liberalisation of trade.
11. The two Prime Ministers discussed the need for international and
regional institutions to reflect better the growing weight of the Asia-Pacific
region in world affairs. They called for increased attention to Asia-Pacific
issues at the annual G7 economic summits. Prime Minister Keating briefed
Prime Minister Miyazawa on the reactions so far of other regional leaders to his
proposal for establishing over the medium term a process of periodic headsof-
government meetings based on APEC membership. Prime Minister
Miyazawa said he regarded the proposal as very significant in view of the
rapidly changing international environment and the increasing importance of
the region. He welcomed Australia's initiative and agreed that the idea be
pursued further in consultation with other members of the region. Prime
Minister Keating affirmed Australia's support for Japan's permanent
membership of the United Nations Security Council so as to have the United
Nations better reflect changed international circumstances.
Tokyo 21 September 1992