The deal would also look to ease trade between the two bodies, with some Japanese technical requirements in place at the moment making it harder for EU firms to export into the country.

This particular trade treaty would also be the first and only international trade agreement to date that would include a commitment on climate change.

Why has it taken so long to negotiate?

Europe and Japan have been in talks over a trade pact since 2013, but they have broken down a number of times over how specific industries would be affected.

Since 2016 alone there have been more than 40 meetings with EU governments over the talks, and 13 meetings have been held with members of the European Parliament.

However, even though yesterday indicated both parties were willing to negotiate towards a free trade treaty, each member state has to agree to the deal before it can be passed.

For example, Canada's trade agreement with the EU has still not been fully ratified after seven years of talks, due to opposition from the Belgian region of Wallonia.

Talks with the European Union were also delayed as Japan focused on the Trans-Pacific Partnership. However, this was formally abandoned by Mr Trump earlier this year and talks have stalled.