The meeting in Brussels comes ahead of the G20 summit which could be fraught as some countries back efforts to promote free trade and international integration while Donald Trump has upended the US’s traditional view in favour of a more protectionist stance.

Officials hope that the deal will ultimately open EU markets up to Japanese cars and open Japan to EU agricultural goods.

EU taxes on cars have riled Japan, while the tariffs on cheese imports heading east have also proved to be difficult to scrap.

The political deal does not mean the pair are yet close to agreeing a full trade treaty. Talks have been ongoing for four years and tough further discussion on areas including investment courts – an often-controversial topic, setting up tribunals which can rule on international disputes – can be expected.