Merkel Eyeing Visit to Japan in Early Feb.

January 13, 2019

Berlin- German Chancellor Angela Merkel is considering visiting Japan on Feb. 4-5 to hold talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, informed sources said Friday.

The two leaders will likely agree to strengthen bilateral cooperation to promote free trade ahead of the summit of the group of 20 advanced and emerging economies in Osaka, western Japan, in June, at a time when the protectionist has increased in the United States and other countries, the sources said.

Officials of German businesses are expected to accompany Merkel on her Japan visit, according to the sources.

Merkel has visited Japan as German chancellor four times. During her latest visit, in May 2016, she attended the summit of the Group of Seven major industrial countries in Mie Prefecture, central Japan. Jiji Press