I will host Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan for a working meeting in Sydney on 14 January.
This will be an excellent opportunity to discuss our countries’ close trade, defence and people-to-people links. I also look forward to building on my personal friendship with the Prime Minister.
Japan has been an important friend to Australia for many decades. We are united as friends and partners by our common values. A strong Australia-Japan relationship delivers tangible benefits to the people of both nations.
We are committed to advancing our economic, investment and trade relationship, our defence and security cooperation, and our common commitment to a secure and prosperous region.
Prime Minister Abe and his wife, Mrs Akie Abe, will be accompanied by a delegation of Japanese business leaders. Lucy and I look forward to welcoming them to Australia.