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Japan, Portugal agree to enhance bilateral ties

Xinhua, March 27, 2015 Adjust font size:

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his Portuguese counterpart Pedro Passos Coelho agreed here Friday to enhance bilateral economic ties and cooperation in fighting against piracy.

Abe said at a joint press conference after their summit that the two leaders affirmed cooperation to reach a broad agreement this year on a free trade deal between Japan and the European Union.

The visit to Japan marks the first by a Portuguese prime minister in 25 years. The three-day trip through Saturday comes after Abe met with Coelho during a trip to Lisbon last May.

The Portuguese prime minister said that his country would like to promote sea-related economy and resources with the help of Japan's knowledge and its latest technology.

Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida and his Portuguese counterpart Rui Machete also met and agreed to strengthen bilateral relations.

Kishida said Japan attaches importance to ties with Portugal, and for his part, Machete said that his country would like to improve cooperation with Japan in a wide range of areas, according to local report. Endi