Australia-Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement
Prime Minister Morrison sought to strengthen Australia's bilateral relationship with Japan, a critical like-minded partner sharing an interest in democracy, economic stability, security and a rules-based order.
The Australia-Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) was officially signed on 6 January 2022, during a meeting between Prime Minister Morrison and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
The RAA is a treaty that streamlines the deployment of military forces between Australia and Japan, facilitating joint training exercises and deeper defence cooperation between both nations. It aims to increase interoperability between the Australian Defence Force and the Japan Self-Defense Forces, bolstering bilateral efforts to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Drawing on the commitment of both countries to cooperate on regional challenges, the RAA was seen as a natural progression — building on the strong bilateral trade relationship. By 2021, Japan had become one of Australia's largest trading partners, with substantial investments across various sectors including agriculture, energy, and technology.
In a testament to the agreement's critical importance, Prime Minister Morrison undertook a single-day visit to Tokyo in November 2020 to finalise the RAA — choosing to undergo Australia's mandatory two-week quarantine upon return during the height of the pandemic.
Under the Morrison Government, Australia and Japan engaged in numerous high-level dialogues and meetings that reinforced the bilateral strategic partnership. These included annual summits and ministerial meetings that addressed regional security issues and trade relations. The RAA not only enhanced bilateral security efforts but also reflected a joint resolve to maintain democratic rules and norms in the Indo-Pacific.
Related media:
1. Press release, Greater cooperation with Japan, 16 November 2018: https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-41963
2. Press release, Landmark Security Treaty to be signed with Japan, 05 January 2022: https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-44148
3. Remarks, Signing Ceremony and Australia-Japan Leaders’ Virtual Meeting, 06 January 2022: https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-43742
4. Press release, Australia-Japan Leaders’ Meeting Joint Statement, 06 January 2022: https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-44150
