BRUSSELS: The European Council said Monday it has endorsed the conclusion of a strategic partnership agreement between Japan and European Union member states.

The agreement becomes effective as soon as the EU members complete their internal procedures and notify Japan of the completion, setting the stage for enhanced Japan-EU cooperation in wide-ranging areas, such as security, climate change and energy.

Japan and the EU signed the agreement in July 2018 and the European Parliament approved it in December that year.

JIJI Press