'Japan and Australia will ensure the TPP agreement comes into force’

Australias Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (R) shakes hand with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe after a joint press conference at the Kirribilli House in Sydney on January 14, 2017.Abe and his wife Akie visiting Australia on an official tour to discuss bilateral and international issues with Australian high officials. / AFP PHOTO / SAEED KHAN

SYDNEY: Japan and Australia will work together to ensure the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade deal comes into force, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said, making no mention of strong US opposition.

After talks with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Abe took the lead on the trade pact co­vering 12 Pacific Rim nations that was ratified by Japan’s parliament last month.