[2] In April 2014, Australia's Prime Minister Tony Abbott led a trade delegation to Japan, South Korea and China.

[3] On the Japanese leg, Abbott was received by Emperor Akihito and, secured the key elements of a free trade agreement with the government of Shinzo Abe.

Abbott said, "This is the first time that Japan has negotiated a comprehensive economic partnership agreement or free trade agreement with a major economy, particularly a major economy with a strong agricultural sector.

"[2] Prime Minister Abe traveled to Australia in July to sign the Japan–Australia Economic Partnership Agreement, and address the Australian Parliament.

The agreement will bring our economies and societies even closer and underpin a strong relationship for many years to come.