A video conference by the leaders of "Quad", the framework of the four countries of Japan, the United States, Australia and India, was held on the night of the 3rd, confirming the policy of working closely with Russia to respond to the military invasion of Ukraine. Did.
They also agreed that unilateral changes in the status quo by force should not be allowed in the Indo-Pacific region.
Following Russia's military invasion of Ukraine, the leaders of the four "quads", including Prime Minister Kishida, held a video conference for about an hour after 11:00 pm on the 3rd.
In this, Prime Minister Kishida said, "This invasion by Russia is a one-sided attempt to change the status quo by force, and it shakes the foundation of the order of the international community and is severely criticized."
He explained that the Government of Japan is working closely with the international community, including the G7 = seven major countries, to swiftly take strict measures and to support Ukraine.
At the meeting, we confirmed the policy of working closely with four countries, including India, which is a traditional friend of Russia, to respond to this military invasion.
They shared the view that unilateral changes in the status quo by force should not be allowed in the Indo-Pacific region, and agreed to further promote efforts toward the realization of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
We also agreed to hold a quad summit in Tokyo face-to-face within a few months and confirmed that we will work together for success.
At the meeting, a "joint announcement", which will be a outcome document, was also summarized, and it was clarified that an information sharing system will be set up to deal with the situation in Ukraine and to assist in the event of a humanitarian crisis in the Indo-Pacific region. rice field.
On the other hand, the government has decided to announce additional measures on the 4th because there is concern that crude oil prices will rise due to the effects of the military invasion.
Prime Minister Kishida said on the night of the 3rd, with a policy of utilizing about 360 billion yen from the reserve fund of this year's budget and raising the upper limit of subsidies to oil wholesale companies from the current 5 yen to 25 yen. He stated that he would "minimize the negative impact on people's lives and corporate activities," and called on the people to cooperate in energy conservation.