The following is the gist of summit talks between Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and German Chancellor Angela Merkel and their joint press conference.

[Trade liberalization]

Abe, Merkel: Affirmed the importance of fair and free trade. Agreed that Japan and Europe should work with the U.S. to promote trade liberalization.

Abe: Japan and Europe must fly the flag of free trade high in cooperation with the U.S.

Merkel: Japan and the European Union affirmed their commitment to facilitate partnership.  

[Japan-EU relationship]

Abe, Merkel: Agreed that we will continue talks to reach a basic agreement on a bilateral economic partnership agreement at an early date.

[U.S. President Donald Trump]

Merkel: I had very good discussions with U.S. President Trump. It is very important to continue our discussions.

[North Korea]

Abe, Merkel: Shared the view that the North Korean threat has entered a new stage. Agreed to work closely to address the abduction issue.

[International issues]

Abe: Once again, I conveyed Japan’s concern toward China’s rising maritime aggression in the East and South China Sea.

Abe, Merkel: Shared the common view that the rule of law is of great importance and we oppose unilateral attempts to change the status quo on issues including the Ukraine crisis. We also discussed the Brexit.

Merkel: With regard to the Ukraine crisis, the Minsk agreement will be implemented. If it is not implemented, our sanctions will continue.