Australian PM Morrison to be first head of state to meet in person with new Japanese leader Suga

FILE PHOTO: Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison speaks during a joint press conference held with New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at Admiralty House in Sydney, Australia, February 28, 2020. REUTERS/Loren Elliott

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Thursday he would travel to Japan next week, becoming the first world leader to meet in person with Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.

Morrison said bilateral talks would focus on boosting trade and suppressing the spread of COVID-19.

"I am honoured to be first foreign leader to visit Japan to meet the few Prime Minister, following his appointment," Morrison told reporters in Canberra.

FILE PHOTO: Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga speaks to the media during a press conference in Jakarta, Indonesia, October 21, 2020. Dita Alangkara/Pool via REUTERS

After leaving Japan, Morrison will travel to Papua New Guinea for talks with Prime Minister James Marape.

Morrison said he would quarantine for two weeks on his return to Australia, and will participate in the country's parliament via a video link.

(Reporting by Colin Packham. Editing by Gerry Doyle)