Rudd confirms plans to meet Japan PM
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has confirmed arrangements have been made for him to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda in June.
Mr Rudd has been criticised for opting to skip Tokyo - historically Australia’s main Asian ally - on his first major trip abroad.
Rudd is visiting the United States, Europe and China on a 17-day first foreign trip which began last week.
Mr Rudd said he would travel to Japan in June.
“We’ve been talking about going to Japan on two occasions this year,” he told reporters.
“As I understand it we have confirmed dates in June, precisely when I’m not sure.
“We’ve been talking for quite some time with the Japanese about a visit during the G8 summit.
“This has been under discussion since January this year and an opportunity for another visit this year.”
Mr Rudd denied that the second visit had been expedited because of criticism at home over his failure to visit Japan on his current trip.
Organising such dates always required a bit of effort, he said.
The prime minister has been accused of neglecting Australia’s relationship with Japan - one of the nation’s biggest trading partners and a key strategic ally - in favour of China.
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Monday, April 7th, 2008 at 5:16 pm under