The European Union and Japan are strategic partners and major economies sharing common values and principles. Their 22nd bilateral summit will take place on 7 May in Brussels. The EU will be represented by Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council, and by José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission. Japan will be represented by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Twin negotiations are ongoing for a truly strategic partnership agreement to develop a wide ranging political, economic and social cooperation and for an ambitious free trade agreement that is expected to stimulate growth and employment on both sides. Negotiations are now in their decisive phase. At the Summit, leaders are expected to discuss also about regional issues, in reference to respective neighbourhoods, and global challenges, in particular the international climate negotiations. 

Japan is the world’s fourth-largest economy and trade has long been the predominant focus of EU-Japan relations.

The visit will include interviews with King Philip and Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo.

Abe Shinzo is the 57th and current Prime Minister of Japan, reelected to the position in December 2012. He is also the President of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and chairman of the Oyagaku propulsion parliamentary group. 

 

Claudio SANNA