Japan PM Shinzo Abe and his Australian counterpart Malcolm Turnbull agreed to strengthen defense cooperation by joint military training and exercises, Kyodo reports.

According to Abe, the increasingly uncertain geopolitical developments increase the importance of partnership between Japan and Australia. “It is important to guard and increase the strength of the free international order,” Abe stressed.

Both leaders also reaffirmed the importance of their security alliances with the United States. By the end of 2017, Australia and Japan will sign the Acquisition and Cross‑Servicing Agreement, which will increase cooperation in training and peace-keeping operations.