Japan, Australia affirm closer cooperation in securing minerals, energy

CANBERRA - The leaders of Japan and Australia agreed Monday to step up their collaboration to ensure stable supplies of critical minerals, energy and other essentials, amid China's rare earth dominance and the conflict in the Middle East.

Issuing five outcome documents at their meeting in Canberra, including a joint declaration on economic security, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and her Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese also affirmed that their countries will further promote cooperation on defense and cybersecurity.