The G7 = Foreign Ministers' Meeting of the seven major countries held in Karuizawa Town, Nagano Prefecture, came to a close, and a joint statement was issued that called for the immediate withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine and strongly opposed unilateral attempts to change the status quo by Chinese force and coercion.
The G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting concluded on the morning of the 18th, the last day of the meeting, with sessions on Africa and nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, and issued a joint statement incorporating the outcomes of the three-day discussions.
The joint statement reiterated in the strongest terms Russia's continued invasion of Ukraine and called for the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all troops.
On top of that, Japan will continue to provide assistance to Ukraine, while requesting third countries to stop supplying weapons to Russia.
It also strongly condemns Russia for using false information to gain international support and says it will support the efforts of the United Nations and others, saying access to quality and reliable information is key.
With regard to China, Japan is seriously concerned about the situation in the East and South China Seas, strongly opposes unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion, and reiterates the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
On the other hand, Japan believes that it is necessary to tackle global issues together, and is ready to build constructive and stable relations through dialogue and promote global economic recovery and people-to-people exchanges.
Minister Hayashi: "I am very pleased that the joint statement was issued"
Foreign Minister Hayashi, who chaired the meeting, said at the press conference, "I am very pleased that I was able to have frank and in-depth discussions with the G7 foreign ministers and issued a joint statement as the outcome of the meeting. With this year's Summit to be held in Hiroshima, we also held detailed discussions on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation."
"For the first time as the G7, we were able to confirm in written form our commitment to a free and open international order based on the rule of law, which Japan attaches importance to, and our strong opposition to unilateral attempts to change the status quo anywhere in the world.