Anthony Albanese has expressed his commitment to a nuclear-free world after landing in Hiroshima for a major international meeting.
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The prime minister arrived on Friday for the G7 summit, which brings together leaders from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan.
Australia is not a forum member but was invited to attend along with a handful of other countries.
After touring the city's Peace Memorial Park, Mr Albanese said it was a reminder of the need for the global community to work towards nuclear disarmament.
"Australia is deeply committed to a world without nuclear weapons and I'm personally very committed to that task as well," he said.
"We know the consequences because we see them right here."
Australia has partnered with G7 nations to maintain pressure on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine and Vladimir Putin's threats to use nuclear weapons.
In a meeting with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Friday afternoon, an agreement was reached to increase defence cooperation, Mr Yoon's office said.
Mr Albanese also said he hoped for more joint military drills.
The prime minister also sat down with his his Brazilian counterpart on Friday.
He said it was important Australia was seen as a strong trading partner.
"There is no more reliable partner than Australia when it comes to economic relations," he said.
Mr Albanese is expected to meet the US, Indian and Japanese leaders after the cancellation of an upcoming Quad meeting.
Joe Biden pulled the pin on the talks to deal with domestic politics, sparking concerns about the strength of the four-way pact.
Mr Albanese said plenty of preparation had gone into the Hiroshima talks.
"We will have a successful meeting as well as successful bilateral meetings," he said.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles rejected claims the Quad's influence was exaggerated.
"The president and the prime minister will be meeting at a time of huge consequence for our region, for the world, but also for our relationship with the United States," he said.
"The alliance between Australia and America really is the centre piece of our national security architecture, of our worldview, and this is going to be a really important meeting."
Mr Albanese will use the three-day forum to discuss climate change, clean energy and global security.
The G7 leaders will address Russia's invasion of Ukraine, China's growing presence in the Pacific, banking and artificial intelligence.
Beijing's envoy in Australia, Xiao Qian, criticised the G7 for negative comments about China, saying the nations were focused on their personal interests.
with Reuters
Australian Associated Press
