Agreement to Facilitate Emergency Assistance

The governments of Japan and Australia are preparing to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to cooperate on evacuating each other’s citizens from third countries during emergencies. Japanese government sources announced the plan on Wednesday, August 21, 2024.

The agreement will be formalized at a “two-plus-two” meeting of foreign and defense ministers scheduled for September 5,2024,in Tokyo.

Following South Korea’s Lead

Australia will become the second nation to establish such an agreement with japan. South Korea signed a similar pact with Japan in September 2023.

The MOU outlines a commitment to information sharing and coordinated evacuation planning during peacetime. This proactive approach aims to streamline responses to international crises.

Practical Evacuation Measures

Under the agreement, Japan and Australia will prioritize accommodating each other’s citizens on evacuation transport, such as chartered aircraft and buses, when space is available. This reciprocal arrangement will maximize the number of people who can be safely removed from dangerous situations.

Recent Precedents for Cooperative Evacuations

Cooperation on evacuations has increased in recent years. In 2023, a Japan Self-Defense Forces aircraft evacuating Japanese nationals from areas affected by conflict between Israel and Hamas also transported citizens of South Korea and Vietnam.

Similarly, Japanese nationals were assisted by an Australian government aircraft during unrest in New Caledonia in May 2023.

Broader Security Cooperation

The upcoming two-plus-two meeting is also expected to address expanded security cooperation between Japan and Australia, particularly considering china’s growing influence in the Pacific region. Discussions will likely include strategies for maintaining stability and security in the Indo-Pacific.

Furthermore, the two nations are anticipated to finalize a contract regarding the Royal Australian Navy’s acquisition of an upgraded version of the Mogami-class frigate, currently used by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.