Kishida, Scholz Say Security In Europe And Indo - Pacific Are Inseparable
Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have agreed that security in Europe and the Indo-Pacific region are inseparable.
The two leaders met Sunday on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit in Schloss Elmau, southern Germany.
They discussed climate change, energy and other issues included in the summit agenda.
Kishida and Scholz shared the view that security in Europe and that in the Indo-Pacific are indivisible in light of Russia's prolonged aggression against Ukraine and China's reluctance to explicitly criticize Russia.
The leaders confirmed they will continue to cooperate in responding to the Ukraine situation and realizing a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Kishida and Scholz agreed to strengthen security cooperation through the next "two-plus-two" meeting of defense and foreign ministers and other inter-governmental consultations. They also confirmed their cooperation toward the next G7 summit in Hiroshima.
Kishida then met French President Emmanuel Macron and expressed his desire for France to continue and strengthen its engagement in Indo-Pacific region.
Macron said he hopes Japan and France will strengthen their ties in a range of fields, including security and economy.