Japan, Germany want Russia to bring diplomatic solution to Ukraine situation

Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel (L) and Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attend their joint news conference after talks at Abe's official residence in Tokyo March 9, 2015. REUTERS/Toru Hanai

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Monday he has agreed with German Chancellor Angela Merkel to strongly ask Russia to play a constructive role to bring a "peaceful and diplomatic solution" to the Ukraine situation.

The two leaders also agreed to aim for an EU-Japan free trade pact by the end of the year.