Japan's Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi and his French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot have agreed to launch a framework for talks headed by ambassador-level officials to promote cooperation in anti-terrorism measures.

The two met on Tuesday in Italy, where Iwaya attended a meeting of foreign ministers of the Group of Seven nations.

They agreed to advance cooperation in the fields of security, economy, science and technology. The efforts include accelerating negotiations to conclude an accord to facilitate joint drills between Japan's Self-Defense Forces and the French military.

As for the new anti-terror dialogues, they agreed to have personnel from relevant ministries and agencies take part, and to hold the first meeting next spring in Tokyo.

The two foreign ministers shared the recognition that security in the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions is inseparable.

They also confirmed that they will closely coordinate with each other in East Asia, Ukraine and the Middle East.