Japan, Australia agree to enhance bilateral ties

Japan and Australia on Wednesday agreed to closely cooperate so as to enhance bilateral relations, according to Japan's Foreign Ministry. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his Australian counterpart Tony Abbott had a 15-minute telephone conversation on Wednesday, during which Abe expressed his hope to further strengthen bilateral security ties, said the ministry. Abe also said that Japan is willing to boost economic relations with Australia and devise new economic rules through joining in multilateral free trade frameworks such as the ongoing Trans- Pacific Partnership free trade talks. Abbott was sworn in as Australia's new prime minister earlier Wednesday, a week after his National-Liberal coalition won the general election.