Abe becomes first Japan PM to visit Australia's Darwin since WW2 bombing

[rooster59]

Abe becomes first Japan PM to visit Australia's Darwin since WW2 bombing

 

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe walks with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison as they arrive at the Cenotaph War Memorial in Darwin, Australia November 16, 2018. REUTERS/Glenn Campbell

 

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday became Japan's first leader to visit the Australian city of Darwin since it was bombed by Japanese forces during World War Two, underlining the strength of their crucial alliance.

 

Abe and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison laid wreaths at Darwin's Cenotaph war memorial before observing a minute's silence to acknowledge war dead and strengthen a bond that has evolved in the decades since.

 

"We acknowledge our history and we commemorate our sacrifice and loss today, but importantly, we have further strengthened our great relationship as good friends and great partners," Morrison said.

 

"We acknowledge the special strategic relationship based not only on our deep shared values and interests but our deeply held beliefs."

 

The leaders of both nations reaffirmed their strategic bond, and pledged to invest in infrastructure in the Pacific and south of the subcontinent, in a counter to the growing influence of China which has stepped up lending as part of its Belt and Road policy.

 

The leaders also underlined their commitment to free trade and to denuclearise the Korean peninsula as they commemorated soldiers lost in battle.

 

"I extended my condolences in honour of all the fallen soldiers, and renew my bow towards peace," Abe said.

"Thanks to the devoted efforts of many, Japan and Australia have achieved reconciliation, and have become special strategic partners."

 

Two months after the Japanese attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor in December 1941, Japanese air forces began bombing the northern Australian port city, the first time the global conflict reached Australian soil.

 

The first two raids on Feb. 19, 1942, killed about 250 people, according to the Australian War Memorial. Ships, aircraft, and civil and military facilities were destroyed.

 

There were a further 62 Japanese raids up to November 1943, but the War Memorial said none was as heavy as the first two, and most caused no damage or casualties.

 

Abe's visit also marks the start of exports from the $40 billion Ichthys gas project, one of Japan's biggest ever foreign investments.

 

Ties between Australia and Japan have improved steadily since the 1950s, including a 2007 "joint security pact" on coordination on matters dealing with maritime and aviation safety.

 

A $13.5-trillion regional free trade agreement between Australia, Japan and nine other countries takes effect next month.

 

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2018-11-17

[mfd101]

Morrison starting to settle into his new job. The next 3 or 4 months are make-or-break before the Federal election.

[GreasyFingers]

The war did not stop "pig-iron Bob" from making money from the Japs.

[toofarnorth]

..........and the bloke on the right is saying " Nice perfume what is it ? "

[THE REVERAND]

The one fact The Australian Govt. is trying to hide Is over 12 months ago Darwin Harbour was sold to China. Hush Hush Hush sold by The Liberal Government would you believe. Morrison lips are sealed as he tries to Buy Port Morsbey but the Horse has Bolted.  

 

Edited November 18, 2018 by THE REVERAND
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