(ATR) In an address to the Australian Parliament on Tuesday,Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he looks forward to hosting "spirited" Australian athletes at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Abe's comments to Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, and other distinguished guests, were made prior to the signing of an economic agreement between the two countries.
During his address, Abe discussed economic and national security as well as motives behind forging a "special" Japan-Australia relationship:"We want to make Japan a country that will work to build an international order that upholds the rule of law."
"Our desire is to make Japan a country that is all the more willing to contribute to peace in the region and beyond," Abe added.
The Prime Minister concluded his speech with a reference to the upcoming 2020 Summer Olympic Games:
"In 2020, Tokyo will once again host the Olympic and Paralympic Games. As for me, I watched the 1964 Olympics, and I was one of the many who were dazzled by the power of [Olympic swimmer] Dawn Fraser, who is in the gallery today."
The 2020 Summer Olympics begin in Tokyo on July 24.
Written byNicole Bennett
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