Osaka, June 29: Group of 20 (G20) leaders have transparently confirmed the need for non-discriminatory, free and fair trade policy, Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Saturday said, suggesting member states have agreed to the terminology of the communique.
According to Reuters news reports, speaking after concluding the G20 Osaka summit 2019, Abe stated the leaders found their common grounds on “climate change” despite big “differences” in the leaders’ view during the discussions.
Abe told a media conference, “The global economy continues to face downside risks as trade tensions persist.” While being prepared to take further moves if needed, he said, “The G20 leaders agreed on the need for member countries to spearhead strong global economic growth.”
Moreover, he said he had told Chinese President Xi Jinping and United States President Donald Trump it was very crucial to engage in constructive discussions in order to resolve their trade tensions.
China and the US have agreed to a tariff ceasefire and to resume their trade talks, nevertheless, Washington will not impose further tariffs on Chinese goods, according to Chinese state-run Xinhua news agency, as Trump stated the dialogues were back on track.
However, no immediate official statement or plans has been yet issued by the White House about a fresh round of trade talks, according to The Washington Post reports.
“The G20 agreed on fundamental principles backing a free trade system, which is to ensure free, fair, non-discriminatory trade,” as well as open markets and a level playing field for all nations, Abe said.
After concluding the meeting, Trump said, “We discussed a lot of things and we’re right back on track,” adding, “We’ll see what happens. We had a really good meeting.”
He said he will offer additional details on the development at a media conference later on Saturday. Trump said, “We had a very, very good meeting with China, I would say probably even better than expected. And the negotiations are continuing.”
Also read: Donald Trump, Xi Jinping declare ceasefire to US-China trade war at G20 Osaka summit