TOKYO, May 20 (KUNA) -- Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Germany Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Tuesday agreed to strengthen cooperation between the two countries, and to continue their close communication, Japan's Foreign Ministry said.
During their 30-minute phone talks, Ishiba said Japan-German relations are stronger and closer than ever, including through the Japan-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations, expressing hope to work closely with Merz, the ministry said in a press release.
Merz, who took office earlier this month, told Ishiba that he was pleased to be able to cooperate with Ishiba, according to the ministry.
Ishiba welcomed the steady progress in bilateral security cooperation in recent years and Germany's enhanced involvement in the Indo-Pacific region, and expressed his willingness to strengthen cooperation in the field of economic security as well. In response, Merz said he would strengthen cooperation with Japan, as an important partner in Asia, in various fields including economy.
The two leaders also discussed a wide range of economic issues in detail, taking into account the impact of the US tariff measures on global economy and the multilateral free trade system.
In addition, they exchanged views on the situation in Europe and in the Indo-Pacific such as the situation in Ukraine and confirmed that they will work closely together on various challenges, that the international community is faced with. (end) mk.rk