The leaders of Japan and New Zealand agreed Thursday to work toward expanding the existing 11-member Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade pact, as they seek further economic and regional integration in the Indo-Pacific.
After meeting with New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said they had agreed to deepen defense ties through joint exercises. He added that the two nations share universal values and back the free and open, rules-based international order.
"I wish to elevate our strategic cooperative relationship to new heights," Abe said at a joint press appearance with Ardern.