Japan, Australia Reach Defense Agreement


Japan, Australia reach defense agreement

Japan's Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide says his country and Australia have reached broad agreement on a pact related to joint exercises by the Self-Defense Forces and the Australian military.

At a joint news conference with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Tuesday, Suga expressed hopes of strengthening bilateral cooperation across a wide range of fields including national security and defense.

Morrison said that Australia and Japan have taken a significant step forward and reached in principle a landmark defense agreement.

He added that Australia respects and appreciates the trust shown by Japan in reaching the agreement.