A plan to strengthen military ties and a strong focus on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) were the major outcomes of a meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Malcolm Turnbull in Sydney.
Australia and Japan's leaders met in Kirribilli on Saturday to discuss issues such as activity in the South China Sea and the nuclear threat posed by North Korea.
The pair also announced the signing of an agreement under which joint visits and exercises between Japan's and Australia's military will increase, expected to be finalised by the end of the year.
In addition, the leaders agreed to a revised acquisition and cross-servicing deal, under which the Australian Defence Force will be able to supply ammunition to the Japanese military for the first time.
"Our meeting has reinforced that the Japan and Australia relationship is truly a very special strategic partnership," Mr Turnbull said on Saturday.
"Australia is invested in Japan's success as Japan is invested in ours."
Mr Abe said both leaders were keen for solid co-operation with the incoming Donald Trump administration but would also continue work on the TPP, which US president-elect Trump has vowed to ditch.
The 7th set of discussions between Mr Turnbull and Mr Abe came on the second anniversary of of the Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement.
Under the deal, more than 97 per cent of Australian products are imported into Japan duty-free - with a further round of tariff cuts due to come into effect on April 1.
Mr Abe last visited Australia in July 2014 and this trip comes after Japan lost out to a French ship builder for the contract to construct Australia's new fleet of submarines.
He leaves on Sunday with wife Akie and leaders from Japanese banks, resources firms and education institutions to continue a six-day diplomatic tour through the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam.
