Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida hosted European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel in Tokyo, where they came to hold political meetings. Exchanging views on regional and global issues, the leaders agreed to implement the vision of a “free and open” Indo-Pacific and take strong action against Russia to stop its war in Ukraine. Kishida, Leyen and Michel, who also agreed on cooperation to ensure economy and energy security, held a joint press conference after the summit.
Referring to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in his speech, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said, “It is shaking the foundation of the international order, which includes not only Europe but also Asia, and is absolutely unacceptable.” Michel, for his part, called for strengthening the partnership, saying that “Japan and the European Union have a deep and dynamic relationship, united by the core values of democracy and the rule of law.”
Leyen emphasized that Japan, like the EU, is aware of the real danger. “Not only the future of Ukraine or Europe is at stake, but the future of the rules-based world order,” said Leyen, adding that this risk makes it even more necessary for partners who share similar values, such as the EU and Japan, to strengthen their relations.
The leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in the supply of materials such as digital technologies, semiconductors, and infrastructure.