Japan’s defence minister heads to Australia to meet Marles in wake of melon-gate controversy
Discussions to focus on Australia’s acquisition of Mogami-class frigates as Japan plays down Albanese’s podcast comments Japan’s defence minister will visit Canberra this week, the highest level engagement with Australia after controversy over Anthony Albanese’s comments about a gift of melons from prime minister Sanae Takaichi. The defence minister, Shinjiro Koizumi, will meet his counterpart…
Japan's Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi is heading to Canberra this week to meet his Australian counterpart Richard Marles. The meeting comes after controversy surrounding Anthony Albanese's comments on a gift of melons from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The discussions will primarily focus on Australia's acquisition of Japan's Mogami-class frigates and enhanced security cooperation between the two countries.
Koizumi, who is considered a potential future Prime Minister of Japan, is set to meet Marles on Tuesday. The visit is part of a five-day trip that will also include India.
Written by urgent.news from The Guardian Australia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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