Japan’s “Iron Lady”, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, has arrived in Australia for her first visit as leader as the two nations seek to shore up energy and defence ties.
Ms Takaichi was greeted by Foreign Minister Penny Wong when she landed in Canberra on Sunday evening ahead of a meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at Parliament House on Monday.
The visit marks the 50th anniversary of the Nara Treaty, which set up relations and co-operation between Australia and Japan.
While that treaty was negotiated in the context of the 1973 Middle East oil shock, this trip also takes place against the backdrop of a fuel crisis caused by the US-led war on Iran.
A deal on critical minerals is expected, while Ms Takaichi is likely to seek assurances from Australia for certainty about gas supplies.
During her stay in the nation’s capital, the Japanese leader will also visit the Australian War Memorial, where she will lay a wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier.
Australian Strategic Policy Institute senior analyst Alex Bristow said the centrepiece of the visit would be an uplift of the partnership and would likely include new initiatives.
“The joint statement on economic security that will be announced … is expected to include language on energy and critical mineral supply chains,” he said.
“It may go further and also address vital technologies, like AI, which Takaichi has prioritised in her domestic economic reforms.”
The conservative Japanese leader, who considers Margaret Thatcher an inspiration, won a massive election victory in October, giving her a mandate to push through key reforms, particularly on defence.
Although Australia and Japan do not have a formal alliance, the relationship remains close as the two countries work together on security issues in the Indo-Pacific.
Canberra chose Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to supply its upgraded Mogami-class frigate for Australia’s navy for $10 billion.
It is the first time a Japanese prime minister has visited Australia since Fumio Kishida travelled to Perth in late 2022.
However, it will be the fourth time Mr Albanese and Ms Takaichi have met, with the leaders last holding talks on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in South Africa in November.