Japan and the European Union have agreed to make every effort to reach a final agreement on a bilateral free trade deal as soon as possible, the Foreign Ministry said Wednesday, despite investment disputes being unresolved.
The two sides are looking to finalize negotiations on the free trade pact by the end of the year, diplomatic sources said.
During telephone talks, Foreign Minister Taro Kono and EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom shared the view that Tokyo and Brussels "could continue to directly communicate as necessary" toward the conclusion of the deal, the ministry said.