Relations sound despite whaling dispute: Crean

Tokyo and Canberra are determined not to let the recent dispute over Japanese whaling in the South Pacific affect bilateral relations between the two countries, Australian Trade Minister Simon Crean said. Speaking recently to reporters in Tokyo, Crean acknowledged that whaling was a difficult issue for both countries. "The fact remains that despite the difference of opinion on that issue, it has not been a detraction from continuing to progress substantially other dimensions of the bilateral relationship," he said. Crean was in Tokyo for talks with Japanese Foreign Minister Masahiko Koumura and other officials on furthering negotiations for the Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement. Koumura stressed the need for sensitivity on agriculture liberalisation and environmental regulation. "We must work together to respond to the global challenge of climate change," Koumura also told the Japanese press. The conciliatory remarks followed Koumura's call for the new Australian Labor Government, which strongly opposes whaling, to take "appropriate action" against anti-whaling campaigners if their vessel Sea Shepherd entered an Australian port. Crean said both countries were "continuing to engage on this issue" and it had not impacted on the broader bilateral relationship.