The newly elected Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd left for his first official visit to Japan on Sunday 8 June, which should probably drown away his critics’ complaint that he had taken too long to travel to the major Asian power. A spokesperson informed that the Australian PM, who got elected in November, left for Japan from Canberra via air just after 9 a.m. on Sunday.

 

Mr Kevin Rudd was being criticized by his opposition ministers for neglecting Japan over Beijing. The Australian PM had skipped visiting Japan during his recent lengthy trip in March and April during which he visited US, Europe and China. However, before leaving for his trip, Mr Rudd remarked that the relations with Japan were in ‘first-class working order.’

 

But simultaneously Rudd, who has lived in Beijing as diplomat earlier, also mentioned that good relations were needed with all Asian partners. The Australian Prime Minister said that he wishes to take the relationship with Japan on to the ‘next stage’ and will be talking about increasing security co-operation with Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda. The presence of Japan in the Southern Ocean will also be discussed amicably.