Foreign Minister's visit to Japan and China
I will visit Japan and China from 15 to 19 February to further deepen and broaden Australia's relationships with two of our most important partners and progress our economic, political and strategic interests.
We have a special strategic partnership with Japan and I will be discussing a range of regional issues including our response to the ongoing, provocative and dangerous conduct of the North Korean regime.
In Tokyo I will hold talks with Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida, I plan to meet with Defence Minister Gen Nakatani as well as other senior Ministers.
I will also join key stakeholders in our bilateral relationship to mark the 40th anniversary of the Australia-Japan Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation and will meet with business leaders to discuss ways to further strengthen our strong trade and investment relationship.
In China, I will co-chair the Annual Foreign and Strategic Dialogue with Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
The Dialogue reflects our comprehensive strategic partnership with China and is an opportunity to discuss bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual concern, and take practical steps to strengthen our relationship.
I will meet key Australian business figures in China and will also launch the New Colombo Plan in Beijing, highlighting the important role of the work experience component of the study program for Australian students which will build our economic and educational ties.