AFP | Apr 30, 2014

Abe calls for swift progress in talks with EU on free-trade pact

BERLIN (AFP) — Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, on a visit to Germany on Wednesday, called for swift progress in talks with the European Union to nail a free-trade pact.

"We’re putting all our strength into achieving an economic partnership accord with the EU," Mr Abe told an industry forum in the German capital, kicking off the first leg of a nine-day visit to European countries.

"To advance the negotiations for a quick conclusion of the agreement, we’d like all your active support," he said through an interpreter.

Japan views its economic partnership with Europe as an "important pillar" of its growth strategy, he added.