French President Francois Hollande was due to arrive in Tokyo Thursday to hold talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on their cooperation in defence equipment and nuclear technology, dpa quoted news reports as saying. On Friday, the two leaders were expected to agree to set up a framework for talks on the export of security-sensitive defence equipment and to pledge cooperation to promote nuclear technology, public broadcaster NHK said. The leaders were also to issue a statement calling for the joint development of defence equipment, following Japan's easing of its weapons export ban, NHK said. The meeting will be held amid Japan's growing concerns about a French defence company's contract with China to sell ship-based landing systems for helicopters to Beijing. During his first state visit to Japan, Hollande will be also invited to a state banquet hosted by Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko.
