Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe today appealed to the US Congress to make Trans-Pacific Partnership deal for regional free trade a reality.
"The TPP goes far beyond just economic benefits. It is also about our security. Long term, its strategic value is awesome...TPP covers an area that accounts for 40 per cent of our economy, and one-third of the world trade," Abe said in his joint address to the US Congress.
"We must turn the area into a region for lasting peace and prosperity. That is for the sake of our children and our children's children. And for US-Japan negotiations, the goal is near. Let us bring the TPP to a successful conclusion through our joint leadership," said Abe, who became the first Japanese leader to address a joint meeting of Congress.
The 12-nation Pacific Rim trade agreement has drawn opposition in the US from labour unions and Democratic lawmakers who normally are allies with President Barack Obama.
They contend it will cost many US workers their jobs as corporations move their operations overseas in pursuit of cheaper labour costs.
Assuring US lawmakers that Japan will not run away from reforms, Abe said, "We keep our eyes only on the road ahead and that -- and push forward with structural reform."
"My dear colleagues, the peace and security of the post-war world was not possible without American leadership. Looking back, it makes me happy all the time that Japan of years past made the right decision," he said.
In his speech, Abe also referred to his effort to improve relationship with India.
Japan, he said, has given a great importance to its "strategic relations" with and India.
"We are enhancing our cooperation across many fields with the countries of ASEAN," said the Japanese Prime Minister.
Way back in June 1957, Abe's grandfather Nobusuke Kishi, the then Prime Minister, had addressed the US Congress.
"Fifty years have passed. Today I am honoured to stand here as the first Japanese prime minister ever to address your joint session. I extend my happiest gratitude to you for inviting me. I have lots of things to tell you," he said.
Abe said time has come for the US-Japan alliance to face up to and jointly tackle those challenges that are new.
"After all, our alliance has lasted more than a quarter of the entire history of the United States. It is an alliance that is thoroughly bound in trust and friendship deep between us," he said.
"No new concept should ever be necessary for the alliance that connects us, the biggest and second biggest democratic powers in the free world working together," he added.
