Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his Belgian counterpart Charles Michel vowed Wednesday to cooperate so Japan and the European Union can reach an agreement in principle this year on free trade.
Speaking at a joint news conference with Michel after a meeting in Tokyo, Abe said the two leaders also agreed to promote reform of the U.N. Security Council, antiterrorism measures, antipiracy steps and peace-building efforts.
A Japan-EU free trade agreement is expected to be a major focus in a summit between Abe and EU leaders slated for late May in Tokyo.
"This agreement is extremely important for the EU and Belgium," Michel said, speaking through an interpreter. "By signing this agreement, I'm convinced that the two sides will make use of their investment capacity in a more effective way."
Belgium is a founding member of the 28-nation European Union.
Referring to U.N. reforms, Michel said he and Abe agreed on the need to make the Security Council work more effectively.
Abe welcomed Michel's first visit to Japan since taking office last October.
"I believe the visit marked a good start to strengthen bilateral relations toward the 150th anniversary next year of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries," Abe said.