The newly appointed Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop arrived in Tokyo on October 14, marking the beginning of the Foreign Minister’s first scheduled overseas meetings.
During the trip, the Australian Embassy in Japan hosted a breakfast meeting with ten key members from universities in Japan, including President Fukuhara of Chuo.

At the meeting, there was a lively exchange over the New Colombo Plan (NCP) proposed by the Australian Government. President Fukuhara commented that “there have been many continuous and productive exchanges among research and education between Chuo and Australian universities. We wish to actively participate in the new student exchange programs proposed by the Australian Government.”

Both parties in particular agreed to the possibilities of further cooperation and affinity between the NCP internship and Chuo programs, lifting expectations for a promising development in the future.

About the New Colombo Plan:

Initiative of the Australian Government which aims to lift knowledge of the Asia Pacific in Australia and strengthen people-to-people and institutional relationships, through study and internships undertaken by Australian undergraduate students in the region.

• Press Release on Foreign Minister Julie Bishop’s Visit to Japan
  http://www.australia.or.jp/en/news/#20131015
• Media Release on New Colombo Plan
  http://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/files/000016971.pdf