The 7th Japanese Diet delegation of the Australia-Japan Young Political Leaders Exchange, which was headed this time by Naoto Kitamura, an LDP member of the House of Representatives, visited Canberra, Melbourne, and Sydney on June 21–27, 1999. Their visit took place only two weeks before the official visit of Prime Minister John Howard to Japan, and the delegation met the prime minister, Deputy Prime Minister Tim Fischer, Foreign Minister Alexander Downer, and other leaders to exchange views on current issues between the two countries and on expected roles to enhance the prosperity and stability of Asia Pacific. In Melbourne and Sydney, the delegation members had opportunities to meet with local political, business, and opinion leaders to get first-hand knowledge on current Australian domestic issues.