Turnbull urges US congress to back TPP

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has urged the US congress to support a 12-country free trade deal.

Speaking at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington on Monday afternoon (US time), Mr Turnbull said Australia wanted to make the most of the opportunities on its doorstep, signing and working towards free-trade agreements with the largest economies in the region.

"We have championed the Trans-Pacific Partnership and we urge your congress to do so too," he said.