During the meeting, discussion took place on the upcoming ministerial meeting in Singapore, and the current state of EPA negotiations and future responses.
The Prime Minister said in his opening address,
“On May 19 and 20 a TPP ministerial meeting will be held in Singapore.
Following my recent summit meeting with President Obama, Japanese and U.
S.
ministers have held lively and serious discussions.
As a result, we have been able to identify a path forward on important bilateral issues.
This marks an important achievement and a key milestone in TPP negotiations.
Currently, we are leveraging this momentum and the leadership of both Japan and the United States to accelerate negotiations with all other countries that will be party to the TPP.
This week the Chief Negotiators’ Meeting was held in Vietnam.
The Ministerial Meeting to be held next week is extremely vital for an early conclusion of negotiations.
President Obama and I share exactly the same recognition.
The TPP will establish a single economic zone in the Asia-Pacific region and create new rules among countries that share the same universal values.
From a strategic standpoint, the TPP is extremely critical for the region as a whole.
I would like Minister Amari and the other members of the negotiation team to make their utmost efforts for the sake of Japan’s national interests in the course of negotiations.
I also ask for the comprehensive support of Cabinet members.
”
