Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said here Friday that Japan and the United States have agreed to allow Japan to join in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade talks, according to local media.

The two countries have reached an agreement on contentious issues in preparatory talks, reported Japan's Kyodo News Agency.

"Japan wants to join in the talks as soon as possible and the move will promote the countries' national interests," Kyodo quoted Abe as saying.

Japan's participation needs to be approved by all 11 countries that are already involved in the TPP talks.

Abe announced Japan's intention to join in the talks last month, despite strong domestic opposition from the agricultural sector, especially from farmers. Endi

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