Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP will visit Japan from 13-15 June, his first visit to North Asia since he assumed office last month.

During his visit, the Deputy Prime Minister will meet his counterparts and key defence and national security figures, to discuss our shared approach in the Indo-Pacific.

He will meet his Defence counterpart, Minister Nobuo Kishi, at Japan’s Ministry of Defense to affirm his commitment to the Australia-Japan Special Strategic Partnership.

“I am delighted to be in Japan as one of my first international visits as Deputy Prime Minister. Australia and Japan share a vision for an open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, one where the sovereignty of all states is respected,” Deputy Prime Minister Marles said.

“Japan is a critical partner in achieving our regional objectives. Our partnership continues to grow as we pursue new and ambitious avenues for cooperation, including through the Reciprocal Access Agreement signed in January,” he added.

As part of the visit, the Minister will also meet a range of Japanese academic and industry representatives to discuss the complex challenges facing the Indo-Pacific, and the need for innovation and collaboration to address them.

Minister Marles is travelling to Japan from Singapore, where he attended the Shangri-La Dialogue, the largest annual regional security dialogue in the Indo-Pacific.