50th Anniversary of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Australia and Japan

Half a century ago, Japan and Australia signed the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, laying the foundation for a partnership based on trust, shared values and mutual respect. Over the decades, we’ve seen this partnership flourish, with deep and trusted ties developing across trade and investment, defence and security, energy and, at the heart of it all, between our people.

We saw all of this encapsulated most recently during Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s visit to Australia for the Annual Leaders’ Meeting. It was an immense honour to reflect with Prime Minister Takaichi on the breadth and durability of our Special Strategic Partnership, and to secure opportunities for it to grow.

Together, we agreed to enhance our cooperation on economic security and energy security, elevate our defence and security cooperation, and expand opportunities across critical minerals and cybersecurity.

A new Australia-Japan Leadership Dialogue will bring our two countries even closer, driving practical cooperation on shared priorities. Our ambitious work together will enhance our collective security and support regional resilience and prosperity and a free and open Indo-Pacific.

While the world has changed immensely since 1976, our nations’ Special Strategic Partnership remains as steadfast as it is unique. We have never been more strategically aligned. The strength of the friendship between Australia and Japan is stronger than ever, as is the spirit of generosity and respect that defines our people and underpins that friendship.

On this milestone 50th anniversary, I offer my warmest congratulations to everyone whose vision, determination and initiative brought our two nations together, and to those whose interest and service continues to advance our partnership today.

We have much to celebrate.

The Hon. Anthony Albanese MP
Prime Minister of Australia
June 2026