MOSCOW, November 14 (Sputnik) – Japan plans to deepen trilateral cooperation between the country, Australia and the United States to ensure peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe wrote in an article published in the Australian Financial Review.
"As the United States is the most important ally for Japan and Australia, I am determined to expand trilateral cooperation between the three countries, to realise a peaceful, secure and prosperous future for the Asia-Pacific region. I also hope that our countries will work closely together to support the resolution of global issues," Abe wrote.
Japan and Australia are the closest US allies in the Asia-Pacific region. The most significant trilateral event is the annual US-Japan-Australia Security and Defense Cooperation Forum (SDCF) that has been held since 2007 to promote cooperation in humanitarian activities, disaster relief, peacekeeping operations and maritime capacity building.
In the article Abe also underscored the importance of good relations between Japan and Australia, saying the countries had a "special relationship" and expressed hope that a bilateral cooperation deal signed in July would yield concrete steps in security and defense issues.
"I also hope that we will see tangible steps taken in the area of security and defence cooperation, beginning with those enabled by the Agreement on the Transfer of Defence Equipment and Technology signed by myself and Prime Minister Abbott in July," Abe said.
The agreement concluded between Japan and Australia outlines joint research, development and production of defense equipment and technology, as well as technology exchange between both countries.
Japan and Australia have been actively expanding defense cooperation since inking a security cooperation agreement in March 2007.
