As they met for the first time today, Kamala Harris described Anthony Albanese as “ambitious” and emphasized that her characterization was made with “admiration.”
The leaders met in Tokyo before to the formal funeral of slain former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe.
Mr. Albanese commended the United States for its assistance in the Indo-Pacific, while the Vice President of the United States committed to work toward the “shared aim of peace and security” in the region.
However, in a potentially awkward moment, Ms. Harris stated that Mr. Albanese’s climate goals were “ambitious” before arguing that his commitment to more aggressive climate action was a “step in the right direction.”
She praised Australia’s new carbon reduction target, stating that Mr. Albanese was ‘admired’ for his climate aims.
The leaders gathered in Tokyo before to the state funeral of slain former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe, who died in July.
Mr. Albanese commended the United States for its interest in the region before stating, “We live in unpredictable times, when there is strategic competition. This is something we are very aware of in the Pacific.
The United States just enacted the Inflation Reduction Act, which allocates billions of dollars for climate action.
She informed the prime minister, “We believe the combination of the two will speed the work our two nations can accomplish.”
This will benefit the people of our two countries as well as the people of the entire planet.
Mr. Albanese responded by thanking the United States for its interest in the region before stating, “We live in unpredictable times and there is strategic rivalry.” We are keenly aware of this issue in the Pacific.
Mr. Albanese stated at the beginning of a bilateral discussion with Mr. Kishida that Australia and Japan are working toward a free and open Indo-Pacific.
He stated, “It is crucial that we continue to work together and with our partners to advance the common goal.”
Mr. Albanese expressed his condolences for the passing of Mr. Abe, stating that a large number of Australian dignitaries were present “to pay our respects and show our respects not only to his family but to the people of Japan.”
Mr. Albanese is in Tokyo alongside former prime ministers John Howard, Tony Abbott, and Malcolm Turnbull for the official funeral of slain Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Mr. Albanese commended the United States for its support of the Indo-Pacific, and Ms. Harris committed to work toward the Indo-“shared Pacific’s aim of peace and security.”
In a potentially precarious moment, Ms. Harris stated that Mr. Albanese’s climate goals were “ambitious” before declaring that his commitment to more aggressive climate action was a “step in the right direction.”
James Marape, the prime minister of Papua New Guinea, also traveled with Mr. Albanese.
“We are gathered here to honor the life of Shinzo Abe. Mr. Albanese told reporters in Tokyo that the awful circumstances surrounding this assassination have reverberated around the globe.
“I am in the presence of three previous prime ministers. This demonstrates the significance of the connection between Australia and Japan, as well as the significance of Shinzo Abe’s respect and position.
Mr. Abe served as the longest-serving prime minister of Japan, from 2006 to 2007 and from 2012 to 2020.
He was crucial to the development of the Quad cooperation comprising his country, Australia, India, and the United States. He was key in raising Australia’s relationship with Japan to a special strategic partnership.
His funeral service will be held in the Nippon Budokan.