European Union High Representative, Josep Borrell and Japanese Foreign Minister, Yoshimasa Hayashi discussed on Sunday the priorities of Japan’s G7 Presidency and reviewed foreign policy issues of mutual interest in a telephone conversation.

They welcomed the EU and Japan’s joined-up approach in multilateral fora and close engagement in the G7 context, according to a statement released by Borrell’s office today.

The phone contact was held in context of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting to take place in Karuizawa, Japan, from 16-18 April.

Borrell regretted not to be able to travel to Japan for the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in view of his Covid-19 infection.

He conveyed his sympathies to Japanese Prime Minister Kishida further to the attempted smoke bomb attack in Wakayama on Saturday.

The EU foreign policy chief stressed the importance of the G7 discussion on China and North Korea in the current geopolitical and regional context and stressed the need for continued cooperation with like-minded partners in the Indo-Pacific.

The EU and Japan stated the need for continued strong cooperation in multilateral fora and expressed willingness to increase bilateral cooperation in pursuit of peace and security.

The G7 includes France, Japan United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Canada, and the European Union also participate in the meetings.

Source: Kuwait News Agency