Japan, Germany to cooperate closely for economic security

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have agreed to cooperate closely on economic security against disruptions in global supply chains. Prime Minister Kishida met with German Chancellor Scholz in the capital Tokyo. The two leaders held a joint press conference after the 50-minute meeting. In his speech here, Scholz said that both countries are keen to learn the right lessons from the economic dependencies that emerged from global crises such as COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine War. Kishida also stated that the two countries will increase cooperation to protect and strengthen a free international order based on the rule of law. Kishida stated that they want to increase their influence in strategic areas such as semiconductors, chips and batteries, and noted that they will share experiences in establishing resilient supply chains. In a joint statement regarding the meeting, it was stated that the two countries agreed to strengthen cooperation for economic security and to establish a legal framework for bilateral defense cooperation activities. Kishida and Scholz also agreed to maintain tough sanctions against Russia, which continues its attacks on Ukraine, and to continue strong support for Ukraine.