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Australia and Japan this week signed a landmark Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation (JDSC), renewing a 2007 commitment to closer defence and security cooperation. 

The updated JDSC charts a path for closer cooperation between Australia and Japan over the next decade, reflecting the strong and growing strategic alignment of the two countries and reaffirming their Special Strategic Partnership.

Together with the Australia–Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement, the updated JDSC aims to drive a broadening and deepening of defence and security engagement over the next decade, including closer cooperation on defence capabilities, and more sophisticated training between defence forces.

It recognises the contemporary security context, and will expand and strengthen cooperation across defence, intelligence sharing, energy transition, climate change, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, health security, maritime security and economic security.

Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese said the unique relationship between Australia and Japan is of benefit to the wider region thanks to the nations' shared values and interests.

“The signing of the updated Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation today will serve as a compass for our security cooperation for the next decade," he said.

Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles said the signing is a commitment to strengthening regional stability and resilience. 

“The updated JDSC builds on the Reciprocal Access Agreement and will guide the continued enhancement of interoperability between our defence forces" he said.