Takaichi Presents High-Quality Melon to Australian PM Albanese

Canberra, May 5 (Jiji Press)–Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi presented a high-quality Crown Melon from Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, to her Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese, at a banquet held in Canberra on Monday. Australia removed its import ban on the Japanese muskmelon earlier this year. The melon from Shizuoka is known as only the best-quality fruit is selected and grown per vine. It is shipped mainly to restaurants in Australia. Australia also imports such Japanese agricultural products as “wagyu” beef and rice. Meanwhile, Japan has eased its import restrictions on mangoes and grapes from Australia. Albanese gave Australian grapes to Takaichi. Takaichi said on X, formerly Twitter, that she presented the Shizuoka melon to Albanese as she hoped that the Australian leader will enjoy the produce that Japan is proud of to the world. Takaichi and Albanese held summit talks in the Australian capital on Sunday. The Japanese leader said on X that the visit to Australia was a wonderful opportunity to deepen her relationship of trust with Albanese as they talked about not only political and economic issues but also music and food culture. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]