Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe visits a coast guard vessel and memorial to sunken submarine in Darwin Harbour before returning home to Japan

JAPANESE Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has completed his Darwin visit, flying out after visiting a coast guard vessel and a memorial dedicated to a sunken submarine

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe stands next to his wife Akie and Chief Minister Michael Gunner during a ceremony at a memorial of the 80-crew Japanese submarine I-124, which was sunk off Darwin in January 1942, in Darwin, Australia. Picture: AAP

JAPANESE Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has completed his Darwin visit, flying out after visiting a coast guard vessel and a memorial dedicated to a sunken submarine.

Speaking with the officers on board Patrol Vessel Echigo, Shinzo Abe said he was impressed by their calmness while carrying out their duties.

“Since ancient times, Japan has enjoyed the rich benefits of the sea, and today the seas are the highways through which Japan imports vital resources,” he said.

“These seas, including the waters surrounding Australia, are extremely important to us as they contain the very lifelines of maritime transport. For this reason, it is absolutely essential to preserve and protect peaceful seas.”

Mr Abe told the officers of the strengthened partnership with the Australian Border Force, asking them to continue their good work. “This agreement effectively reinforces the bonds that tie the coast guard agencies of our two countries,” he said.

The Prime Minister then headed to Dripstone Park where he visited the memorial to the sunken submarine.

He was met at the memorial by Chief Minister Michael Gunner, where the pair lay wreaths dedicated to the fallen men.

Mr Abe then stopped to talk to members of the Australian Japanese Association (AJA) before being rushed back to Darwin airport to return to Japan.

The two day visit by Mr Abe was the first by a Japanese head of parliament since the Bombing of Darwin in 1942.

Originally published as Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe visits a coast guard vessel and memorial to sunken submarine in Darwin Harbour before returning home to Japan