NHK



 

Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa and his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba have agreed on the need for continued international sanctions against Russia.

The two met on Friday on the sidelines of the Group of Seven foreign ministers' meeting in Germany.

Hayashi welcomed Kuleba's attendance. He said atrocities perpetrated by Russia in Ukraine are unacceptable and Moscow must be held accountable.

Hayashi explained Japan's humanitarian and financial support for Ukraine, including accepting evacuees.

Kuleba expressed gratitude for Japan's support. He also said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highly appreciated Japan's decision to ban imports of Russian oil.

Kuleba also asked Japan for additional assistance. Hayashi said the government will consider what can be done.

The two ministers agreed that it is important for the G7 members, as well as the international community, to work together to implement tough sanctions against Russia.

Hayashi held separate talks with his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock. Germany is chairing the G7 meeting. The two reaffirmed close cooperation to lead the international community in efforts to maintain a free and open global order based on the rule of law.

The ministers also agreed that security in Europe and the Indo-Pacific region are inseparable and that any unilateral attempt to change the status quo by force is unacceptable.