LOC18:05
15:05 GMT
TOKYO, Nov 18 (KUNA) -- Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida said Monday
that the early conclusion of the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)
is of vital importance in order for both Japan and the EU to enjoy the benefit
of economic growth.
Kishida made remarks during his meeting in Tokyo with visiting European
Union (EU) Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht, according to the Foreign
Ministry.
Kishida also expressed his desire to cooperate with De Gucht towards a
comprehensive and high-level EPA, the ministry said in a statement after the
talks.
In response, De Gucht emphasised his recognition that the Japan-EU Summit
Meeting scheduled for Tuesday would have critical importance in boosting the
EPA negotiations towards the early conclusion of the agreement.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will meet European Council President
Herman Van Rompuy and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso in
their summit, which comes at an important new stage in Japan-EU relations.
Earlier this year, negotiations were launched for a strategic partnership
agreement aimed at developing dialogue and cooperation across a wide range of
political and sectoral areas, as well as the EPA that should address
long-standing trade and investment concerns, unlocking further growth and
employment opportunities.
The summit will review progress in the negotiations and inject additional
momentum towards the rapid conclusion of comprehensive and ambitious
agreements that will lift the EU-Japan relationship onto a higher, more
strategic plane, according to the EU. (end)
mK.mt
KUNA 181805 Nov 13NNNN