A new agreement between Japan and Australia aimed at strengthening bilateral security cooperation is set to take effect on Sunday.

Japan's government decided on the date at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. It comes after Japan's Diet approved the pact and the Australian government completed the necessary domestic procedures.

The Reciprocal Access Agreement will apply when Japan's Self-Defense Forces and the Australian military hold joint drills and other activities in each other's country. It covers matters such as the handling of weapons and ammunition and the right to exercise jurisdiction in the event of incidents or accidents.

It is Japan's first agreement of its kind to enter into force, other than its Status of Forces Agreement with the United States.

At a news conference after the Cabinet meeting, Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa said the fact that Australia is the first country with which Japan has concluded a reciprocal access agreement demonstrates how close the ties are between the nations.

He said he expects the deal to promote bilateral security and defense cooperation, and help ensure peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region.

Japan has signed a reciprocal access agreement with Britain but it has yet to come into effect.