'He's got a real wisdom about him': Scott Morrison reveals his admiration for Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe
- Scott Morrison spoke of admiration for Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe
- He called him 'the senior figure' among Asian leaders and said he was 'helpful'
- Mr Morrison said Mr Abe was useful in balancing alliance with US and China
- He said a dinner meeting with the Japanese Prime Minister in Darwin stuck out
Scott Morrison had to hit the ground running as he became Prime Minister just ahead of a series of regional summits.
But the newly-minted leader had an experienced ally to show him the ropes as he entered the world stage - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Mr Morrison spoke of his admiration for the veteran head of Australia's second-biggest trading partner, calling him 'the senior figure' among Asian leaders.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison spoke of his admiration for Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe
'He's got a real wisdom about him which I found really helpful and which I have leaned on,' he told the Sydney Morning Herald.
Mr Morrison said a dinner in Darwin together with their wives stuck out among the many meetings he had after he replaced Malcolm Turnbull.
'It's probably the most interesting and insightful discussions I have had... and I have had many meetings now with other world leaders in what has been a relatively brief period,' he said.
'Because I became prime minister and went pretty much into the summit season.'
Mr Morrison said his Japanese counterpart was particularly useful in helping him balance Australia's strong alliance with the US with its proximity to regional power and huge trading partner China.
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Japan has to navigate a similar situation and Mr Morrison said this meant his new friend had a wealth of experience to share.
He said the Japanese Prime Minister was similar to 'us' as the country also has an important relationship with the US.
Mr Morrison explained the connection with China was intercultural and economic, while the US attachment was based on values and history.
He said maintaining a stable relationship with the south-west Pacific is a priority.
Mr Morrison said the Japanese leader was particularly useful in helping him balance Australia's strong alliance with the US and China
