EU, Japan to solidify strategic partnership

BRUSSELS, Nov. 15 (UPI) -- European Council President Herman Van Rompuy said Friday he looked forward to building a stronger strategic partnership with his Japanese allies.

"A strong strategic partnership between the EU and Japan can make a real difference in working for international peace and security, promoting economic prosperity and upholding the multilateral system," he said in a statement Friday.

Van Rompuy and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso are slated to meet Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo next week.

The European Commission said talks are aimed at building a strategic partnership with Japan. Both sides are expected to focus on space and cybersecurity, the commission said.

European leaders have expressed frustration with cybersecurity as it relates to a controversial program administered by the U.S. National Security Agency. Cybersecurity in Asia has centered on allegations the Chinese government was behind cyberattacks on U.S. national security interests, an allegation Beijing denies. The computer activist group Anonymous launched attacks on Asian governments last week.

"Japan is an important stakeholder in the global order and an essential factor for global growth," Barroso said. "Partnering to support global economic growth and stability will be two of the key objectives for the summit."