As they met for the first time today, Kamala Harris characterized Anthony Albanese as “ambitious,” before highlighting that her statement was made with “admiration.”
Prior to the state burial for former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who was killed in July, the leaders convened in Tokyo.
In response to the US Vice President’s commitment to working toward the “joint objective of peace and security” in the region, Mr. Albanese praised the US for its support in the Indo-Pacific.
Ms. Harris likewise referred to Mr. Albanese’s climate ambitions as “ambitious,” but in a potentially precarious turn of events, she insisted that his commitment to more aggressive climate action was a “foot forward.”
She praised Australia’s new emissions reduction target and claimed that Mr. Albanese had garnered praise for his climate change objectives.
The Inflation Reduction Act, just passed by the US, allocates hundreds of billions of dollars for climate action.
She informed the prime minister, “We think the two together will speed up the work our two nations can undertake.”
“That will benefit the citizens of our two countries as well as the citizens of the entire planet.”
In response, Mr. Albanese complimented the US for showing interest in the area before stating that “strategic competition exists” and that “we live in unpredictable times.” In the Pacific, we take this into very serious consideration.
Mr. Albanese said that Australia and Japan were working toward a free and open Indo-Pacific in his opening remarks before a bilateral meeting with Mr. Kishida.
In order to advance the common goal, he stated, “(it) is extremely crucial that we continue to work together and to engage with our partners as well.”
In expressing his sympathies for Mr. Abe’s passing, Mr. Albanese noted that high-level Australian officials were present “to pay our respects and show our respects to not just his family but to the people of Japan.”
Mr. Albanese is in Tokyo for the official burial of Mr. Abe, who was slain in July, along with former prime ministers John Howard, Tony Abbott, and Malcolm Turnbull.
Along with Mr. Albanese, the prime minister of Papua New Guinea, James Marape, traveled.
“We are here to honor Shinzo Abe’s life.” The awful circumstances surrounding this assassination have had an impact on the entire world, Mr. Albanese told reporters in Tokyo.
“Three past prime ministers and I are here.” That demonstrates the significance of the ties between Australia and Japan, as well as the significance of Shinzo Abe’s standing and respect.
Mr. Abe served as prime minister of Japan for the longest periods, from 2006 to 2007 and 2012 to 2020.
He played a key role in the development of the Quad collaboration between his nation, Australia, India, and the US as well as in the transformation of Australia’s relationship with Japan into a special strategic partnership.
The Nippon Budokan will serve as the site of his funeral.