9th Japan Symposium
2026/3/13
On 26 February 2026, the Perth USAsia Centre hosted its ninth annual Japan Symposium under the theme of “The 50th anniversary of the signing of the Japan-Australia Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation”.
Masafumi Ishii (former Japanese Ambassador to Indonesia and Managing Director of the Japan Institute of International Affairs Platform) gave the keynote speech, followed by addresses from His Excellency Kazuhiro Suzuki, Japanese Ambassador to Australia, and His Excellency Andrew Shearer, Australian Ambassador-designate to Japan (by video message).
Prof. Gordon Flake, Perth USAsia Director and CEO led a panel discussion as moderator, drawing insights from Ambassador Ishii, Ambassador Suzuki and Clare Pope (Partner at Gilbert + Tobin) around issues relating to the strength and potential of the Japan-Australia partnership in uncertain times.
Consul-General Karimata also attended the Symposium, taking the opportunity to engage with various other attendees and participants.
Masafumi Ishii (former Japanese Ambassador to Indonesia and Managing Director of the Japan Institute of International Affairs Platform) gave the keynote speech, followed by addresses from His Excellency Kazuhiro Suzuki, Japanese Ambassador to Australia, and His Excellency Andrew Shearer, Australian Ambassador-designate to Japan (by video message).
Prof. Gordon Flake, Perth USAsia Director and CEO led a panel discussion as moderator, drawing insights from Ambassador Ishii, Ambassador Suzuki and Clare Pope (Partner at Gilbert + Tobin) around issues relating to the strength and potential of the Japan-Australia partnership in uncertain times.
Consul-General Karimata also attended the Symposium, taking the opportunity to engage with various other attendees and participants.
Over the past 50 years, Japan and Australia have built a strong partnership in a wide range of areas including diplomacy, security, economics and energy. Deepening cooperation in the defense sector, as well as long-standing cooperation in the energy sector demonstrate this unwavering relationship.
Through this symposium, the importance of the Japan-Australia relationship as we look ahead to the next 50 years has been reaffirmed.
【Reference】
Perth USAsia Centre: Japan Symposium
Through this symposium, the importance of the Japan-Australia relationship as we look ahead to the next 50 years has been reaffirmed.
【Reference】
Perth USAsia Centre: Japan Symposium