"It's extremely important to realize a broad EPA accord early and raise the flag of free trade amid growing protectionist moves around the world," Abe told a meeting of relevant ministers at the prime minister's office.

Abe instructed Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida, who serves as chief EPA negotiator for Japan, to visit Brussels on Wednesday to hold another ministerial meeting with the EU following the one last week.

Meanwhile, the EU announced Tuesday a plan to hold a regular summit with Japan on Thursday. The two parties are expected to reach a broad agreement, the EU said.

Abe will visit Brussels to meet with European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker.

Tusk wrote on Twitter: "EU-Japan Summit on Thursday. Ambitious free and fair trade deal in the making."

Aiming to secure a broad deal at the summit, Kishida will hold the final stages of talks with European Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmstroem. (Jiji Press)