Since then, Japan has revised its Antarctic whaling program to reduce the maximum catch to 333 minke whales, about one-third of its previous quota.
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Prime minister Malcolm Turnbull (L) and Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe (R) hold talks in Antalya, Turkey, on November 14, 2015.
Following the meeting, a joint statement was released, saying: “Prime Minister Turnbull welcomed Japan’s participation in the process and noted Japan’s commitment to it”.
In fact, Mr. Turnbull mentioned that Asimo is the “first robot I’ve taken a selfie with”, and further reiterated that Japanese robotic technology now sees action in Australia.
While Turnbull will convey Australia’s “deep disappointment” at Japan’s decision to resume whaling in the southern oceans and Abe will no doubt reinforce Japan’s bid for Australia’s lucrative $40bn submarine contract, both leaders want the visit to concentrate on the broader political, strategic and economic relationship.
Austrade and FIRM will identify ways to help Australian and Japanese researchers and companies collaborate to advance commercial outcomes and therapies.
But he also said it was “important” to “understand the Japanese position”.
“We recognise that is a point of difference of opinion but we will, as good friends should – we should be up-front and frank about our differences of opinion, put them on the table and deal with them, seek to resolve them”, Turnbull said.
Japan’s whaling fleet set out for the Antarctic this month to resume a hunt for the mammals, ending a year-long hiatus following an International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling that Japan should stop.
Despite tensions over whaling, the two countries have a flourishing relationship in trade and tourism and have moved to strengthen defence and security ties.
The country aims to hunt almost 4,000 of the mammals over the next 12 years as part of what it says is a scientific research programme.
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“We all have a vested interest in the maintenance of a peaceful worldwide order”, he added.
