Kishida To Visit Southeast Asia, Europe; Hayashi To Travel To Central Asia
Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio is beginning a tour of Southeast Asia and Europe on Friday to confirm cooperation in dealing with Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Kishida will visit Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Italy and Britain on the eight-day trip through May 6.
Kishida hopes to confirm close cooperation with their political leaders to maintain stringent sanctions on Russia and support Ukraine. He says Russia's invasion shakes the foundation of international order and is totally unacceptable.
Kishida also wants to boost collaboration toward realizing a free and open Indo-Pacific region by sharing the recognition that its security environment could be affected by the Ukraine situation. China has been stepping up its hegemonic activities in the area.
Meanwhile, Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa will travel to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Mongolia on his four-day trip starting on Friday. He will also visit the Pacific island nations of Fiji and Palau on May 7 and 8.
Hayashi is also expected to discuss Ukraine, China and other topics with senior government officials in those countries.