SYDNEY - 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.