Indo-Pacific diplomacy, leadership and legacy: Mrs Akie Abe in conversation at NSC

The ANU National Security College (NSC) was privileged and honoured to host Mrs Akie Abe on 10 December for a private visit and roundtable discussion. The conversation reflected on the legacy of her late husband, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Participant were briefed about a pioneering digital platform that presents Prime Minister Abe's life, leadership, and legacy.

The Japanese Ambassador, His Excellency Kazuhiro Suzuki, joined Australian Government senior officials, Australian Ambassador-designate to Japan Andrew Shearer, the ANU Japan Institute’s Professor Veronica Taylor, NSC affiliates and alumni for a discussion on Australia-Japan relations and the principles that shape regional cooperation, resilience and stability in a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. The conversation also ranged across Prime Minister Abe’s approach to leadership and the importance of soft power and the human dimension of diplomacy.  The event was convened by the NSC Head, Professor Rory Medcalf AM, who presented Mrs Abe with a Japanese translation of his book on the Indo-Pacific and reflected on the growing importance of Japan in NSC’s international engagement.