It was a warm welcome for Japan's prime minister from Australia's parliament on Tuesday.

Shinzo Abe is the first Japanese leader to address a joint session of the Australian parliament.

He used the occasion to hail a new relationship between the two countries -- who were adversaries during World War Two.

6. (SOUNDBITE)(English) JAPAN'S PRIME MINISTER SHINZO ABE SAYING:

"Today I stand in front of you who represent the people of Australia and state solemnly that now Japan and Australia will finally use our relationship of trust which has stood up through the trials of history in our cooperation in area of security. Australia and Japan have now freed ourselves from one old layer and are now moving towards a new special relationship."

Abe is in Australia for a three-day official visit during which the two countries are expected to sign trade deals as well as defense agreements.

Abe recently reinterpreted the country's pacifist constitution to allow its m