In October, Prime Ministers Kishida and Albanese signed the landmark Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation, renewing a 2007 commitment to closer defence and security cooperation. At the signing, Prime Minister Albanese said the agreement would serve as a compass for Japan-Australia cooperation for the next decade, accelerating each other’s efforts to realise a stable, open, and prosperous region.

The agreement comes at a pivotal time. The reality of our world today is intensified geostrategic competition, and its centre of gravity is here in the Indo-Pacific. To reflect on the challenges of the region and his ambition to further deepen the Australia-Japan Special Strategic Partnership, we are pleased to welcome the Hon Richard Marles MP, Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, to this special seminar.