Japan, Australia foreign, defense chiefs likely to hold talks in September

Japan and Australia are making arrangements to hold a meeting of their foreign and defense ministers in Tokyo in early September.

Japan hopes to strengthen security cooperation with Australia. The two countries are expected to work out a memorandum on mutual cooperation for evacuating both countries' citizens from a third country in the event of an emergency.

Australia has chosen Japan as a partner to jointly develop a frigate for its military, based on the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's state-of-the-art Mogami-class vessel. The ministers are expected to make final discussions toward concluding a contract. Japan Defense Minister is considering inspecting one of the ships together with Marles.