FED:Oppn Leader Abbott is Japan bound

AAP General News (Australia)
12-14-2010
FED:Oppn Leader Abbott is Japan bound

CANBERRA, Dec 14 AAP - Opposition Leader Tony Abbott is heading to Japan.

Mr Abbott on Tuesday announced he would travel to Japan for four days, from December 14 to 18.

During his visit, he will address the Japanese Institute of International Affairs and
meet Japan's Foreign Minister Maehara, Defence Minister Kitazawa and the president of
the Liberal Democratic Party Sadakazu Tanigaki.

"Australia has no closer or more longstanding friend in Asia than Japan and I am happy
to make this my first overseas visit in the Asia-Pacific region as opposition leader,"

Mr Abbott said.

The opposition leader will also visit Japan's largest maritime self-defence base at Yokosuka.

Mr Abbott's speech to the International Affairs Institute will address coalition perspectives
on Australia and Asia.

Julie Bishop will act as opposition leader in Mr Abbott's absence.

AAP ah/sb/cdh

KEYWORD: ABBOTT

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