The leaders of Japan and Germany have pledged to pursue free trade in the face of rising protectionism. Shinzo Abe and Angela Merkel held talks in Tokyo on Monday, just days after a Japan-EU free trade deal went into force. Our reporter Terrence Terashima has more from Tokyo.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe have held face-to-face discussions. Japanese officials said their meeting was indeed a timely one. What with the UK's rather chaotic exit from the European Union causing so much uncertainty, and Japanese concerns it could ultimately destabilize the global economy.

ANGELA MERKEL GERMAN CHANCELLOR "We really wanted to avoid a no-deal Brexit as that would increase insecurities. We are glad that there is a majority for this in the British parliament. Now we have to find out what can be done. We negotiated the withdrawal agreement a long time ago, and therefore we do not want to reopen it. This not on the agenda."

Japan is keen to avoid any obstacles that might undermine the new open trading zone which controls about a third of the world's output.

SHINZO ABE JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER "In order to minimize the negative impact on Japanese companies and the global economy, I expect the Brexit process to be carried out in a predictable and legal manner. I told Chancellor Merkel that we strongly expect the EU and the UK to avoid a no-deal Brexit."

TERRENCE TERASHIMA TOKYO "The EU and Japan's Economic Partnership Agreement took effect at the beginning of the month, amid global concerns over the China-US trade friction. So this is seen as perfect timing for Chancellor Merkel and Prime Minister Abe to reaffirm their efforts to fight protectionism and promote free trade."

The leaders also agreed on a confidential security information exchange mechanism, in which the two sides would share military and terror-related information. Meanwhile, Japan also continues to expand its defense and security cooperation with countries such as Australia, India and the UK. Experts say the reassurance Abe's getting off Merkel -- ahead of Japan's hosting of the G20 next year, and its tough trade negotiations with the US -- will give him great comfort.

Terrence Terashima, CGTN, Tokyo.