Austin Meets with Japanese, Australian Counterparts to Advance Defense Ties
By Jim Garamone
November 17, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with his Japanese and Australian counterparts November 17, 2024, to discuss ways to strengthen the trilateral relationship and advance shared security interests.
Austin met with Japanese Minister of Defense Yasukazu Hamada and Australian Minister for Defense Richard Marles on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Ministerial Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand. They discussed ongoing efforts to enhance trilateral cooperation in areas such as maritime security, cybersecurity, and counterterrorism.
In a joint statement, the ministers reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region and agreed to work together to address common security challenges. They also discussed the importance of strengthening trilateral military exercises and exchanges.
“The United States, Japan, and Australia are close allies and partners,” Austin said. “We share a common vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region, and we are committed to working together to maintain peace and stability in the region.”
Hamada said that the trilateral relationship is “essential for the security and stability of the Indo-Pacific region.” He added that Japan is committed to working with the United States and Australia to address common security challenges.
Marles said that the trilateral relationship is “a key pillar of Australia’s defense policy.” He added that Australia is committed to working with the United States and Japan to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
The ministers also discussed the importance of working with other partners in the region, such as India and Indonesia. They agreed to continue to cooperate with these partners to address common security challenges.
The meeting was the latest in a series of high-level engagements between the United States, Japan, and Australia. In May, Austin met with Hamada and Marles in Washington, D.C. In July, the three ministers met in Sydney, Australia.
The trilateral relationship is a key component of the United States’ Indo-Pacific strategy. The United States, Japan, and Australia are working together to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region that is stable, prosperous, and secure.
Austin Meets With Japanese, Australian Counterparts to Advance Defense Ties
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