Free trade and defence have been the key focus of discussions between Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the first day of his regional tour of Australia.
The leaders reiterated the importance of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) deal, despite U.S President-elect Donald Trump's vow to pull out of the free trade agreement.
"We have confirmed our commitment to free trade in our region," Turnbull said.
"Deals with which millions of people depend."
Both Turnbull and Abe have affirmed their commitment to work with the new Trump administration, declaring the relationship with the U.S "more important than ever", despite Abe's previous statements the TPP is meaningless without the U.S.
"The United States remains the cornerstone of our strategic and communicative arrangements," Turnbull said.
Trump slammed the Trans Pacific Partnership in his first address after the U.S presidential elections, vowing to pull out of the world's biggest trade deal.
"I am going to issue a notification of intent to withdraw from the Trans-Pacific Partnership – a potential disaster for our country," Trump declared.
"Instead we will negotiate a fair bilateral trade deal that bring jobs and industry back onto American shores."
The leaders agreed to step up defence agreements between the two nations, signing a revised pact which is set to "improve the capacity of our defence forces to provide each other with the logistical support during exercises operations and other activities".
Abe's six day regional tour of Australia aims to boost Asia-Pacific ties in the face of an increasingly assertive China in the South China Sea. Turnbull has praised the diplomatic ties between Australia and Japan.
"The relationship between Australia and Japanese is closer stronger and more constructive than ever," Turnbull said.
"Casting back 60 years, you and your family have played a critical important part in strengthening ties between us.
"We have recommitted to a truly dynamic 21st century relationship."
The leaders also discussed sport, where Abe announced Japan would not be committing to adopting cricket.
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