Overview
- Meeting in Canberra on Monday, the two prime ministers signed a Joint Declaration on Economic Security Cooperation plus statements on energy and critical minerals that set up consultations on shocks and economic coercion.
- Australia flagged up to A$1.3 billion in support for Japan-linked critical minerals projects, naming efforts such as the Lynas rare earths refinery in Kalgoorlie and Alcoa’s gallium recovery project.
- The energy statement pledged to keep liquid fuel and gas trade flowing during the Middle East crisis, which has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz and tightened supplies across Asia.
- A separate defense statement detailed next steps on information sharing, co-development, training and exercises, and confirmed deliveries of Mogami-class frigates under a AU$10 billion program.
- Leaders launched a Strategic Cyber Partnership and a new Leadership Dialogue, and ministers will now implement the package, with Trade Minister Don Farrell planning a follow-up visit to Japan within two weeks.