Japan Reaffirms Cooperation with Australia on Frigate Exports

Canberra, Aug. 18 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and his Australian counterpart, Richard Marles, reaffirmed close cooperation on Tuesday to ensure Japan's smooth exports of its upgraded Mogami-class frigates to Australia.

The two ministers, meeting in Canberra, the capital of Australia, also discussed expanding bilateral cooperation on defense equipment.

Koizumi told Marles at the beginning of the meeting that defense cooperation between Japan and Australia has reached a new high, referring to a visit to Australia by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in May and joint exercises with F-35 fighter jets from Japan, the United States and Australia in July.

Marles said that Japan-Australia relations are important at a time when there are significant strategic challenges around the world.

The Australian navy plans to introduce 11 improved Mogami-class frigates. Three of them will be built in Japan and the first delivery is scheduled for 2029.

[Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]