• Kishida stressed that fully supporting the Ukrainian government and people is a “common duty” for Japan and Italy

ROME: Japanese Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio and his Italian counterpart, Mario Draghi, agreed Wednesday that their countries will fully support the government and people of Ukraine facing Russia’s aggression.

During their meeting in Rome, the two leaders stressed that it is important for the international community, including the Group of Seven major countries, to respond firmly to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

At their joint press conference, Kishida stressed that fully supporting the Ukrainian government and people is a “common duty” for Japan and Italy.

“Japan and Italy will impose unprecedentedly strong sanctions against Russia and strengthen their support for Ukraine,” Kishida said.

At the meeting, Kishida explained the outcome of his visit to three Southeast Asian countries before arriving in Italy, such as Vietnam’s pledge of humanitarian support for Ukrainians. Draghi valued these Japanese efforts.

Kishida and Draghi shared the view that unilaterally changing the status quo by force is unacceptable anywhere in the world.

Meanwhile, the Japanese leader welcomed the European Union’s increasing involvement in the Indo-Pacific region. He called on Draghi to work together to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The two leaders also affirmed the importance of close international cooperation in dealing with North Korea, on the heels of the reclusive country’s ballistic missile launch the same day.

Kishida and Draghi had talks for the first time since Kishida took office last year. Kishida was the first Japanese leader to visit Italy since April 2019.

JIJI Press