LOC17:06
14:06 GMT
TOKYO, May 19 (KUNA) -- Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and his German counterpart Johann Wadephul agreed on Monday to further enhance ties between the two countries, describing they are "important partners," Japan's Foreign Ministry said.
During their 30-minute phone talks, Iwaya pointed out that Germany is an important partner sharing values and principles and expressed willingness to closely work with Wadephul to further strengthen Japan-Germany relations bilaterally and within the framework of the Group of Seven (G-7), the ministry said in a press release.
The G-7 consists of Japan, Germany, Britain, Canada, France, Italy and the US. In response, Wadephul said he would strengthen cooperation with Japan, as an important partner sharing fundamental values in the Indo-Pacific, according to the ministry.
The two ministers also reaffirmed the shared recognition that the security of Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific is inseparable, confirming their commitment to further strengthen cooperation in the fields of foreign policy and security through such the frameworks as "two-plus-two." In addition, Iwaya and Wadephul shared views to boost cooperation in the field of economic security.
The two ministers also exchanged views on the situation in Europe and the Indo-Pacific such as the situation in Ukraine and their policies toward North Korea including on the nuclear and missile issues, and confirmed that they will work closely together on various challenges, that the international community is faced with. (end)
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