Outlook on the Indo-Pacific” (AOIP), which upholds the principles such as the rule of law, openness, freedom, transparency and inclusiveness. 17. Both leaders highlighted their commitment in support of the Pacific Islands region’s sustainable development, prosperity, security and resilience, especially in the face of climate change, and areas including COVID-19 health response, economic recovery from COVID-19, maritime cooperation and economic development, including through the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM) process. The two Prime Ministers also acknowledged respective countries’ quick response in support of Tonga following the volcanic eruption and tsunami in January 2022. The leaders reiterated the need to address growing strategic challenges in the Pacific that could destabilise the regional security environemt. Both leaders renewed their determination to contribute to the peace and stability of the region in cooperation with Pacific and other partners, based on shared values and in support of Pacific priorities. Free Trade architecture 18. The two leaders noted the strong working relationship between New Zealand and Japan on the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). They welcomed the future expansion of CPTPP to economies that are able to fully meet, implement and adhere to its high standards and with a demonstrated pattern of complying with trade commitments. They recognised the strategic significance of CPTPP and reaffirmed its importance in promoting free trade, and open and competitive markets, including as a tool to counter economic coercion. 19. Both leaders welcomed the recent entry into force of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement. They reaffirmed that RCEP Agreement is a major development for the region, providing a mechanism to support economic recovery from COVID-19 and demonstrating our joint commitment to economic integration. They reaffirmed their strong commitment to collaborating for full implementation of the Agreement to enhance rules-based economic order in the region. 20. The two leaders also reaffirmed the value they place on APEC as a forum for supporting trade and economic growth in the region, and offered their support to current and upcoming hosts Thailand, the United States and Peru in delivering on APEC’s goals. They recognised the importance of peace and stability as preconditions for the inclusive and sustainable economic growth envisioned by APEC Leaders, and called on all of its members to fully respect the tenets of APEC’s Putrajaya Vision 2040. 21. The two leaders underscored the importance of fostering economic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, and welcomed the United States’ commitment to the region. They noted the significant role the United States played in the development of TPP and expressed their strong and shared desire for the United States’ return to the agreement. 22. Both Prime Ministers expressed support for free and open rules-based trade and reaffirmed their shared determination to strengthen the multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organization at its centre. They shared serious concern over trade4/5