Press Releases
Australia-Japan Talkback Classroom Forum
TK03/2009
18 March 2009
Four students selected from schools in Tokyo, Canberra and Melbourne interviewed the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Stephen Smith and the Japanese Ambassador to Australia, His Excellency Takaaki Kojima on 16 March 2009. The 2009 Australia-Japan Talkback Classroom Forum was held at the National Press Club of Australia in Canberra, and broadcast live on the Australian Public Affairs Channel. The theme of the discussion was 'Images of Australia in Japan and Japan in Australia' and it covered a range of issues relevant to the contemporary bilateral relationship. The Forum included a special Q&A session exclusively for students in the audience and online. In response to a question from one student about the prospects of the Australia and Japan relationship if the trading volume declines, Mr Smith said "There is more to the relationship than trade. Our friendship is underpinned by people to people contact in a variety of areas." Ambassador Kojima supported Mr Smith's view saying, "We enjoy a very important strategic partnership in the field of security and politics and regional activities. On top of that, grass roots contacts are very close and will grow further." The 2009 Australia-Japan Talkback Classroom Forum was implemented with the support of the Australia-Japan Foundation (AJF) and Australian Education International(AEI). Four senior secondary school students from Australia and Japan investigated issues of significance to both nations, and recorded interviews for broadcast with decision makers. The students completed a comprehensive program of online study and reciprocal visits. The Australia-Japan Foundation (AJF) is a bilateral foundation, established in 1976, to strengthen the Australia-Japan relationship across a broad range of sectors including, education, culture and business. For Talkback Classroom, please refer to: http://www.talkbackclassroom.com.au For Australia - Japan Foundation, please refer to: http://www.ajf.australia.or.jp