Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, I will visit Japan from 26 to 28 September to attend the state funeral for Mr Abe Shinzo, AC, former Japanese Prime Minister. We've spoken previously in this parliament and, across the whole spectrum, expressed our condolences to the people of Japan.

I will be accompanied on that visit by 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. We will be the official delegation, and I believe it's entirely appropriate that I as the Prime Minister have extended invitations to Mr Howard, Mr Abbott and Mr Turnbull, and I'm pleased that they are able to attend with me.

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 and, of course, was a tireless champion of the Quad.

I believe that the attendance at Mr Abe's state funeral by not just myself as the sitting Prime Minister of Australia but by three former prime ministers will send a very strong message to the government of Japan but, most importantly, to the people of Japan about how respected Mr Abe was by Australia and about the friendship that is there. I thank the former prime ministers for the discussions and for attending with me.

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