(VOVworld) - US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said Monday that the US fully supports finalization of the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement.

Carter said the new phase of the Obama administration’s strategic "rebalance" of its foreign policy to the Asia-Pacific region and commitments to this region are aimed at increasing stability and prosperity in the region.

Carter urged the 114th US Congress, dominated by Republicans, to pass the fast track trade authority of the TPP to the Obama administration to step up the negotiation.

The US Defense Secretary made his statements at Arizona University prior to a 5-day visit to Japan and South Korea, Carter’s first visit to Asia since he took office in February.