Anthony Albanese is preparing to meet with his US, Indian and Japanese counterparts for an impromptu Quad catch-up on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Japan this weekend.
The Prime Minister will touch down in Hiroshima on Friday to discuss climate change, the Indo-Pacific region and global economy with other world leaders as part of the three-day summit before meeting with his fellow Quad members.
Mr Albanese was supposed to host Australia’s first Quad Leaders’ Summit in Sydney next week but had to cancel the event after US President Joe Biden pulled out over America’s debt ceiling crisis.
The four leaders will instead meet in Japan, which is the last location they came together for their annual meeting nearly a year ago.
Australia is not a partner of the G7 but Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida invited Mr Albanese as well as leaders from India, Brazil, South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, Comoros, and the Cook Islands to attend this year.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will also be there as members of the alliance.
“This is a vital meeting at a vital moment for the global economy and our region, and it builds on the ambitious agenda for Australia we outlined in last week’s Budget,” Mr Albanese said.
“It’s a busy summit with a full and important agenda, and I look forward to meeting with fellow Quad Leaders while we are together in Japan.”
Top of mind of the summit agenda will be the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and responding to increasing geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific, including North Korea’s expansion of its nuclear arsenal and China’s encroachment toward Taiwan.
Mr Albanese will on Friday meet with the presidents of South Korea and Brazil and visit Peace Park and the iconic Atomic Dome with the Mayor of Hiroshima.
The Prime Minister said he was proud to take Australia’s seat at a table at the summit — representing more than half a trillion dollars a year in trade to support Australian businesses, producers, jobs, innovators and industries.
“I’ve spoken many times about how Australia is investing in our capabilities and our relations. This is key to pursuing Australia’s strategic interests — a stable, secure region and a thriving economy at home,” he said.
“Australia stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the world’s largest advanced-economy liberal democracies, collaborating on challenges confronting the global economy, supply chain resilience, climate and energy, a free and open Indo-Pacific and upholding the international rules-based order.
“We are showing the world that Australia is back as a partner, a leader and a force for stability and growth in our region. A strong economy at home depends on strong relationships and engagement abroad.”
