Japan and Australia nearing FTA deal: Reports

Japan and Australia are moving closer to signing a free trade agreement, and the deal will be inked within 6 months.

If realized, the deal would cement a relationship worth around $58 billion annually in 2-way trade.

"The Australian government is working hard to conclude (a free trade agreement) with Japan as soon as possible," said a spokesperson for Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

"We are pleased Japan is also strongly committed to concluding a mutually beneficial deal."

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott is expected to travel to Tokyo in April, when he will underline the importance of building closer security links with the country he has described as Australia's best friend in Asia.

Ink will be put to paper in July when Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visits Canberra and becomes the first Japanese leader to address the Australian parliament.