Angela Merkel and Japan's Shinzo Abe make subtle digs at Donald Trump at German tech event

'In times when we have to argue with many about free trade, open borders and democratic values, it's a good sign that Japan and Germany no longer argue'

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made subtle digs at Donald Trump's policies as they spoke in support of free trade.

While neither leader named the United States government as they opened the CeBIT technology fair in Hanover, both used the opportunity to distance themselves from protectionist tendencies coming from the Trump administration.

"In times when we have to argue with many about free trade, open borders and democratic values, it's a good sign that Japan and Germany no longer argue about this but rather are seeking to shape the future in a way that benefits people," Ms Merkel said.

As G20 president, Germany feels especially committed to these principles, she added.

After meeting President Donald Trump in Washington for the first time last week, Ms Merkel said she hoped the US and the EU could resume discussions on a trade agreement. Mr Trump said he did not believe in isolationism but that trade policy should be fairer.

Ms Merkel stressed that Germany was strongly in favour of free trade and open markets.

"We do want open markets, fair trade, we certainly don't want any barriers but at a time of an 'internet of things' we want to link our societies with one another and let them deal fairly with one another, and that is what free trade is all about," she said.

Both leaders called for a free trade deal to be reached quickly between Japan and the European Union.

Mr Abe said: "Japan, having gone through reaping in abundance the benefits of free trade and investment, wants to be the champion upholding open systems alongside Germany."

He added: "Of course to do so it will be necessary to have rules that are fair and can stand up to democratic appraisal."

He also said the European Union and Japan should soon reach an economic deal.

Ms Merkel welcomed his comments, saying: "It's very, very good that Japan says we want a free trade agreement, we want it soon because that could be the right statement and Germany would love to be a driving force behind this."