Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP, with the Minister of Defense of Japan Koizumi Shinjiro, signing the statement of intent, in Melbourne, Australia. *** Local Caption *** On 18 April, the Hon Richard Marles MP welcomed Japanese Defense Minister KoizumiShinjiro to Australia. In Melbourne, Ministers held a Defence Ministers Meeting to strengthen defence cooperation between Australia and Japan. The Australian Government also approved the acquisition of the first three of eleven upgraded Mogami class frigates to be built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Japan. The Australia-Japan partnership supports regional deterrence and helps ensure stability, security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. Credit: Rodney Braithwaite/Rodney Braithwaite
