Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will visit Japan from 26 to 28 September to attend the State Funeral for Mr Abe Shinzo AC, former Japanese Prime Minister.
Former Prime Ministers, the Hon John Howard OM AC, the Hon Tony Abbott AC and the Hon Malcolm Turnbull AC, all of whom worked with Mr Abe during his two terms as Japanese Prime Minister, will join the official delegation.
Mr Abe’s State Funeral will be attended by past and present world leaders, foreign dignitaries, colleagues and family—in honour of his leadership and immense contribution on the international stage.
Mr Abe was instrumental in elevating Australia’s relationship with Japan to a Special Strategic Partnership and did more than anyone to advocate for a free and open Indo-Pacific.
He signed the Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement, creating new opportunities for Australian businesses in Japan.
Mr Abe was a tireless champion for the Quad and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.
His longstanding advocacy for closer links with Australia saw an unprecedented deepening of defence ties through the landmark Reciprocal Access Agreement.
Australia and Japan will continue to strengthen our partnership and build upon the significant contributions of Mr Abe.
The Australian delegation’s attendance at the funeral will pay tribute to Mr Abe’s legacy and the enduring friendship between our two nations.
Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:
“We mourn the loss of a true statesman.
“Mr Abe was a remarkable leader, a catalyst for change in Japan and the region, a true friend of Australia.
“Under Mr Abe’s leadership, Australia and Japan deepened our economic ties, defence cooperation and people-to-people links—he was deeply committed to furthering relations between our two countries.
“Japan is a close and trusted friend of Australia.
“Our partnership is fundamental to both countries’ strategic and economic interests.
“We will continue to strengthen our partnership to promote a free, open and resilient region