Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida and his New Zealand counterpart Murray McCully confirmed in a meeting Sunday the importance of successfully concluding the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations, which Japan will soon join, in order to promote economic growth of the Asia-Pacific region.
In a joint press conference following their meeting in New Zealand's largest city Auckland, McCully said the growth of trade and economic ties between the two countries is the basis of growth in "all aspects of the relationship."
"I believe that the Japanese decision to join in the TPP negotiations signals a new era in which we will get closer and in which relations will grow right across the board," McCully said, while stressing no details of the TPP were discussed during their talks.
Kishida, speaking through an interpreter, conveyed Japan's commitment to reaching a comprehensive and high-level agreement on the TPP.
According to a joint statement the ministers issued, private discussions held earlier in the day covered a range of topics including disaster warning systems and tsunami prevention techniques, after both countries suffered separate destructive earthquakes in 2011.
Both sides also underlined the importance of resolving maritime disputes and issues in accordance with international law obligations. The two countries also expressed concern about nuclear and missile developments in North Korea, urging the state to abandon its nuclear ambitions.
They will also hold regular consultations to strengthen cooperation and enhance coordination development on issues such as disaster management, economic development, infrastructure and renewable energy in the Pacific region.
Japan and New Zealand have also agreed on the importance of holding more frequent political visits and dialogues as well as consultations between officials.
The 11 existing members of the TPP negotiations are Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United States and Vietnam.