SYDNEY — Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Tuesday declared his determination to pursue peace in Asia, as he strengthened defense 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.”
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