Prime Minister Kishida has entered the final stages of preparations for a visit to Australia later this month.
He will hold a summit meeting with Prime Minister Albanyzi and, in light of China's strengthening of its maritime expansion, intends to confirm further cooperation between the two countries, including in terms of security.
According to government officials, Prime Minister Kishida plans to visit Australia later this month if the Diet's deliberation schedule is met.
While there, I plan to hold a summit meeting with Prime Minister Albanizy and exchange views on regional affairs and international issues, including the Indo-Pacific region.
Considering that China is stepping up its maritime expansion and that North Korea is stepping up its nuclear and missile development, Prime Minister Kishida has decided to promote Japan-U.S. cooperation toward the realization of a free and open Indo-Pacific. I would like to confirm further cooperation, including in security, with Australia, which is also a member of the quadrilateral framework of Australia and India.
In addition to dealing with the protracted Ukrainian situation, discussions are also expected to be held on economic cooperation such as expansion of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP).