Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the second Meeting amongst Main Ministers on the TPP at the Prime Minister's Office.

Discussion took place on the current situation surrounding participation in TPP negotiations.

The Prime Minister said in his opening address,

"Recently Japan and the United States agreed on the participation of Japan in TPP negotiations.
I believe that the Japan-U.S. agreement this time is an agreement that thoroughly secures our national interests.
Participation in the negotiations for the TPP will be a provident masterstroke.
In addition to the economic merit of incorporating growth in the Japanese economy and in the Asia-Pacific region, I believe that the creation of rules in the TPP with other countries, including our ally, the United States, who share the universal values of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law, will be greatly significant for security.
The real competition to achieve our national interests will start from now.
I want to work within the strongest framework to participate in TPP negotiations as soon as possible and take the initiative in those negotiations."