Prime Minister and LDP President Shinzo Abe met with Austrian Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, who was visiting Japan for the first time since his appointment in this　commemorable year, the 150th anniversary of friendship between the two countries. The Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement, which came into effect on February 1, has created one of the world's largest economic zones. Mr. Abe expressed hope that this will further deepen the relationship between the two countries, saying, "We want to expand cooperation in a wide range of fields, including tourism, business, science and technology, and cultural exchanges."

<February 15 (Friday) Prime Minister's Office>