Japanese and German Prime Ministers "Strong Sanctions on Russia... Strengthening Support for Ukraine"

"Opposition to Changing the Status Quo in the Indo-Pacific Region"

On the 28th, Olaf Scholz (left), Chancellor of Germany, who visited Japan, shakes hands with Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister of Japan, at the Prime Minister's Official Residence in Tokyo before their summit meeting.

On the 28th, the Prime Ministers of Japan and Germany held a summit meeting and announced that they would firmly maintain sanctions against Russia, which invaded Ukraine, and strengthen support for Ukraine.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz made these remarks at a press conference following their summit meeting at the Prime Minister's Official Residence in Tokyo.

Prime Minister Kishida condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine, stating, "Japan will cooperate with various countries to strongly sanction Russia and enhance support for Ukraine." Chancellor Scholz responded, "The sanctions are impacting Russia," adding, "It is important that many countries coordinate their efforts."

Furthermore, the two leaders agreed during the meeting not to recognize any unilateral changes to the status quo by force in the Indo-Pacific region, keeping in mind China's maritime expansion, according to Kyodo News.

The two countries also agreed to hold an early 2+2 meeting of foreign and defense ministers to closely cooperate in realizing a "free and open Indo-Pacific." The "free and open Indo-Pacific" is an initiative led by the United States to check China's maritime expansion.

The two leaders decided to establish an intergovernmental consultation involving the heads of both governments to strengthen security cooperation between the two countries, with the first meeting scheduled for next year.

Chancellor Scholz visited Japan on a one-night, two-day trip. Since taking office in December last year, Scholz has held two telephone talks with Prime Minister Kishida, but this is his first visit to Asia.