SYDNEY (AFP) ― Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Tuesday declared his determination to pursue peace in Asia, as he strengthened defence ties with Australia and signed an ambitious free-trade agreement.
Abe used an historic address to a joint sitting of Australia’s parliament to say that Japan “is now determined to do more to enhance peace in the region and peace in the world.”
“It is to put that determination into concrete action that Japan has chosen to strengthen its ties with Australia,” said Abe, the first Japanese leader to address parliament.
“Our countries both love peace. We value freedom and democracy and we hold human rights and the rule of law dear,” he added, calling the relationship “special.”
Prime Minister Tony Abbott described Japan as “a very, very close friend.”
“Japan and Australia have so much in common and I am sure that our relationship will go from strength to strength as a result of this visit, and as a result of the annual leaders’ meetings that will henceforth take place,” Abbott said.
The two leaders inked an agreement allowing for the transfer of Japanese defense equipment and technology to Australia, just days after Tokyo declared its powerful military had the right to fight in defense of allies.
koreaherald@heraldcorp.com
