Trade relations and other bilateral issues topped the agenda of the talks between Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and the Prime Minister of Japan Shinzō Abe, with Prime Minister Muscat referring to Mr Abe’s visit as a tool to make a quantum leap in relations between the two sides.

The Department of Information said Prime Minister Muscat also referred to the ongoing negotiations between the European Union and Japan on a trade agreement.

On his part Prime Minister Abe referred to common values shared by the two countries including democracy, freedom, and the rule of law.

The Japanese Prime Minister said that he will strive to increase political, economic, and trade relations between the two countries.