Japan's Hiroshige Seko, China's Gao Hucheng and Joo Hyung-hwan from South Korea held talks in Tokyo on Saturday.

No major progress has been made on a 3-way free trade agreement or a comprehensive economic partnership deal involving 16 Asia-Pacific countries including the 3 nations.

In a joint statement, the ministers said their countries recognize how they can contribute to East Asia's economic integration, and that they will work to accelerate free trade negotiations.

The statement also said the 3 ministers reconfirmed their intentions to take joint action against protectionism, which they say has been increasing globally.

After the meeting, Seko said he is convinced that the result of Saturday's talks will contribute greatly not only to the 3 countries but to the whole of Asia and rest of the world.

He said Japan will continue to work closely with its 2 neighbors.