Japan’s prime minister Shinzo Abe has invited the Netherlands to take part in the G20 summit being organised in Oskaka in June.

Abe, who met Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte for talks and a tour of Rotterdam port on Wednesday, is on a short visit to the Netherlands.

The Netherlands is not a member of the G20 group but this is the third year in a row that Rutte has been invited to attend the annual summit.

The Financieele Dagblad says Abe’s visit and the invitation is a sign of the status that Japan now accords Rutte and the Netherlands.

Universal values

Japan and the Netherlands share universal values, such as freedom, democracy, and the rule of law, Abe is quoted as saying by Japanese broadcaster NHK.

He also said the two leaders agreed to cooperate closely to tackle global issues to ensure the success of the G20 summit, including promoting free trade and innovation as well as tackling climate change and marine pollution.

Abe and Rutte also agreed to boost economic ties between the two countries and a Japan-EU trade pact is to take effect next month.