Shinzo Abe

by Malcolm Turnbull
Watch
Takashi Osato for TIME

Shinzo Abe’s confident and dynamic leadership has revived Japan’s economy and prospects since he became Prime Minister in December 2012. As a statesman, he is both resilient and pragmatic, recognizing that the prosperity and security of our region depends on maintaining and developing the rules-based international order. In a world with many strong and dominant leaders, he has certainly been as tenacious and courageous as any other.

But he has also been flexible, a careful listener and always willing to work to accommodate the views of others. Nothing shows this more than the way he worked with other nations to resuscitate the Trans-Pacific Partnership when its future looked bleak following the withdrawal of the U.S. He stayed the course, and in March, 11 nations including Australia and Japan signed the TPP-11.

Under Shinzo Abe’s leadership, Japan has become an ever closer trusted strategic partner for Australia, and I greatly value his friendship and wise counsel.

Turnbull is the Prime Minister of Australia

TIME may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.