Tokyo: Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and his German counterpart Johann Wadephul agreed on Monday to further enhance ties between the two countries, describing themselves as "important partners," Japan's Foreign Ministry announced.
According to Kuwait News Agency, during their 30-minute phone talks, Iwaya emphasized that Germany is a crucial partner sharing values and principles. He expressed a willingness to closely work with Wadephul to further strengthen Japan-Germany relations bilaterally and within the Group of Seven (G-7) framework, the ministry reported in a press release.
The G-7 consists of Japan, Germany, Britain, Canada, France, Italy, and the US. In response, Wadephul stated his intention to strengthen cooperation with Japan, recognizing it as an important partner sharing fundamental values in the Indo-Pacific, as noted by the ministry.
The two ministers also reaffirmed the shared recognition that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions is inseparable. They confirmed their commitment to further strengthen cooperation in foreign policy and security through frameworks such as "two-plus-two." Additionally, Iwaya and Wadephul shared views on boosting cooperation in economic security.
The ministers exchanged views on the situation in Europe and the Indo-Pacific, discussing issues such as the situation in Ukraine and policies toward North Korea, including nuclear and missile issues. They confirmed their intent to work closely together on various challenges facing the international community.