Abe said the countries he visited are all important neighbours, sharing the Pacific Ocean, as well as basic values.
He said the leaders of the four countries agreed with him completely that freedom of navigation is vitally important, and that to secure that principle, the rule of law must be thoroughly upheld, Japan’s broadcaster (NHK World) reported.
Abe also said that on the firm basis of the Japan-US alliance, he will consolidate peace and prosperity in the region stretching from Asia to the rim of the Pacific and to the Indian Ocean.
The remark is seen as indicating that he will play a leading role in regional peace and prosperity, with China’s increasing maritime activities in mind.
Abe discussed the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade agreement, or TPP, with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc. Abe said that throughout the trip they renewed their pledge to put the TPP into effect soon.
Based on the achievement of the TPP, he said, he will aim for bigger, higher-quality, and more ambitious deals such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, RCEP.
President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to withdraw the United States from the TPP. Abe said he and the leaders agreed to continue to work together closely, with the belief that the US commitment is essential to the peace and prosperity of the region.
He also said he will cooperate with countries sharing strategic interests with Japan, such as the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or Asean, Australia and India.
