Australia leader disappointed with Japan’s return to whaling

But the one-day itinerary for Turnbull’s first visit to Tokyo on Friday – complete with guards of honour and ceremonial welcomes – makes clear the Japanese are rolling out the red carpet, possibly hoping Abe will strike a rapport with Turnbull approaching the strong relationship he built with Tony Abbott. Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull expressed disappointment today at Japan’s resumption of whaling in the Southern Ocean, but said the dispute over the hunt should not be allowed to hurt the two countries’ special strategic ties.

“We recognize that is a point of difference of opinion”, Turnbull said and noted that it’s also important to “understand the Japanese position”.

The prime minister said when good friends like Australia and Japan disagree, they must express their worries honestly.

He was careful, however, to emphasise that differences over whaling would not damage overall ties.

Austrade and FIRM will identify ways to help Australian and Japanese researchers and companies collaborate to advance commercial outcomes and therapies.

Japan has said its plan to hunt 333 minke whales in 2016 is “scientifically reasonable”.

Japan stopped whaling a year ago after an global court ruled against its program.

Japan sent a fleet to the region a year ago but it did not hunt any whales.

Recognition of Australian degrees would not only encourage freer movement between the two countries “but also that of ideas”, he said.

“This includes economic and trade relations, security and defence cooperation, and Australia’s concerns about Japan’s decision to resume whaling in the Southern Ocean this summer”.

Australia took Japan before the court in 2010 to try to end the annual hunts, decried by environmentalists but defended by Japan as an integral part of its traditional food culture even though the consumption of whale meat is miniscule. Japan is competing with Germany and France for the contract to replace Australia’s Collins class submarines.

“We all have a vested interest in the maintenance of a peaceful global order”, he added.