Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and visiting German Chancellor Olaf Scholz agreed on Thursday to establish an intergovernmental panel to strengthen their security cooperation during the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Jointly Press conferenceFumio Kishida said the two leaders held intergovernmental talks and reaffirmed their intention to work closely together to achieve a free and open Indo-Pacific.
“Today we have agreed to set up intergovernmental talks with the participation of government leaders. The first talks are scheduled for next year,” he said.
Prime Minister Kishida: We had a long exchange of opinions with Prime Minister Olaf Scholz. #GermanyWho chose #Japan As the first stop during his visit to Asia.With Germany holding # G7 This year’s president, (1/2) pic.twitter.com/lyGhkJ86El
— PM Japan Office (@JPN_PMO) April 28, 2022
Scholz’s two-day trip to Japan is his first trip to an Asian country since he became Chancellor of Germany last December. He said the trip was a “clear political signal” for Germany and the European Union to increase their involvement in the Indo-Pacific region.
“We want to strengthen the Japan-Germany partnership. This works with the already established 2 + 2 talk. But we also want to consult with the government on a regular basis. “He said.
The two leaders opposed the one-sided attempt by Beijing to forcefully change the status quo in the East China Sea and South China Sea, which increased its military presence, and urged the international community to “resolutely respond” to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
They have increased their support for Ukraine and promised to continue to impose “unprecedented strict sanctions” on Russia. It said Scholz caused “serious damage” to Moscow’s economic development.
Japan and Germany are also aiming to reduce Russia’s reliance on coal imports. Fumio Kishida said Japan would seek alternatives to diversify its energy sources, but added that his government must first consider its impact on industry.
“We will do our best to ensure that no one depends on the supply chain of one country at a time. This is what we have now experienced in the crisis of Russia and Ukraine. It will take time. , We have to play a big role for us, “Shortz said.
The war between Russia and Ukraine has highlighted Germany’s energy dependence on Russia, spurring more consideration of security in Berlin’s foreign and trade policies and strengthening relations with its allies.
Scholz’s visit to Japan took place on the same day that the German House of Representatives passed a motion in favor of Ukraine, and the government to impose sanctions on China if it circumvents Western restrictions on Russia or provides weapons. Included a requirement for.
Reuters contributed to this report.
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Aldgra Fredly is a Malaysia-based freelance writer featuring the Epoch Times Asia Pacific News.