EU calls for 'new era of freedom' in partnership with Japan

Reuters

The European Union on Wednesday called for a "new era of freedom" in partnership with Japan, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pledging to deepen ties with Tokyo.

Speaking at Keio University in Tokyo, von der Leyen said it was time to create a new form of freedom and independence for the 21st century.

"For this, partners like Europe and Japan must come closer together. Not only to build our own independence, but to strengthen each other's," she said in a post on X.

Von der Leyen stressed the need to develop a new economic and industrial model to ensure prosperity while safeguarding democracy.

Von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa arrived in Japan on Tuesday for a summit with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.

The two EU leaders visited World Expo 2025 in Osaka before meeting Ishiba in Tokyo on Wednesday. The summit is expected to announce an upgrade to the 'Japan-EU Competitiveness Alliance.'

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