EU and Japan resolved to swiftly conclude free trade deal

Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida said Friday that he and European Union Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom had confirmed their resolve to swiftly conclude free trade negotiations between the two economies.

“We reaffirmed that it is extremely important (to reach) a broad agreement … as soon as possible in order to counter protectionist moves,” Kishida told reporters after meeting with Malmstrom in Bonn.

“We agreed to continue negotiations and keep the momentum,” Kishida said, adding that he and the EU trade chief had agreed to promptly arrange the next round of negotiations.

While a broad agreement is now within sight, the parties remain divided over certain aspects of market access and tariff removal.

The meeting, requested by the EU side, came on the sidelines of a two-day foreign ministerial session of the Group of 20 major economies through Friday.

Read more: EU and Japan resolved to swiftly conclude free trade deal – News of the European Union