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Bangkok Post
Bangkok Post
World

Japan brushes off Australian PM's melon drama

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (L) and Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi pose during a welcome ceremony at Parliament House in Canberra in May 2026.

TOKYO - Tokyo has played down comments by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese about melons gifted to him by his Japanese counterpart that have triggered a row Down Under, stressing the leaders' good relationship.

"We are aware of the reporting in the media. We have been informed by the Australian side that Prime Minister Albanese did not make the comments in the way that has been reported," a Japanese government statement said on Wednesday.

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