LOC15:24
12:24 GMT
TOKYO, Dec 22 (KUNA) -- Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and his Australian counterpart Penny Wong on Monday agreed to promote multi-layered cooperation with like-minded countries, including frameworks such as Japan-US-Australia and the four-nation "Quad" group involving India to realize a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific," Japan's Foreign Ministry said.
During their 20-minute teleconference, Motegi and Wong renewed their commitment to close cooperation between the two countries for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region as they exchanged their candid views on its current situation, according to a statement released from the ministry.
The two ministers also reaffirmed the importance of bilateral cooperation in the field of economic security, including strengthening supply chain resilience for critical minerals, and concurred to enhance cooperation in this area, including the steady implementation of existing projects.
In addition, Motegi and Wong agreed to to maintain close communication to jointly build momentum for the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Japan-Australia Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation next year and to outline the direction for future cooperation between the two countries. (end)
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