Japan, Poland to deepen ties on energy, security

Japan and Poland on Friday agreed to boost their ties over energy and security, with the hope that Japan and the European Union (EU) that groups Poland could reach a free trade agreement.

The two countries made the agreement during a meeting here between Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and visiting Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski. The two leaders last held meeting in June 2013.

The two sides agreed to boost cooperation in nuclear energy as Japan eyes export of civil nuclear technology as a pillar for economic recovery, while Poland also wants to diversify its energy sources.

Japan and Poland also agreed to strengthen bilateral security ties by holding regular talks between defense authorities.

"We confirmed our strong will to upgrade Japan-Poland relations to a strategic partnership to cope with global challenges and strengthen cooperation," Abe was quoted as saying at a joint press conference.

For his part, Komorowski said he hopes the two countries will work more closely together in economic and other fields, including in the fight against terrorism.

The two countries also signed an agreement to intensify exchanges between young people. Endi