Abe, Merkel agree to promote free trade

The leaders of Japan and Germany have agreed that it is important to work with the United States to promote free trade amid concerns over emerging protectionism.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chancellor Angela Merkel met for over one hour on Monday in the northern German city of Hanover.

During the talks, Abe said Japan supports a strong Europe, as well as strong and steady efforts to promote the European Union.

Abe and Merkel agreed that amid concerns about growing protectionism and inward-looking tendencies, a free and open international order is the basis for peace and prosperity.

They said Japan and Europe must hoist the flag of free trade by continuing to cooperate with the United States.

The 2 leaders also agreed to continue to work in coordination toward the prompt and broad conclusion of free trade negotiations between Japan and the EU.

At a joint news conference after the meeting, Abe expressed concerns over China's increasing maritime activities, the Ukrainian situation, and North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile development.

He said the Group of 7 industrialized countries should be united more than ever and strengthen cooperation in the fields of national security and the economy.

Abe stressed that the US is urged to take the leadership in those efforts.

Merkel said US President Donald Trump had told her that he does not want his country to be isolated from the rest of the world.

Abe and Merkel agreed to work together to consolidate the alliance among the G7 countries to address issues the world is facing.

Source: NHK