Japan, European Council agree to maintain Russia sanctions

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and EU Council President Charles Michel have agreed to maintain sanctions against Russia.

Japan's Foreign Ministry made the statement following the meeting between Kishida and Michel, who arrived in Tokyo to attend the state funeral ceremony of the former head of the country's government Shinzo Abe, TASS reports.

"With regard to the situation in Ukraine, they agreed that it is extremely important to maintain the unity of the G7, and confirmed their determination in close cooperation with the EU and other countries to maintain tough sanctions against Russia and support Ukraine," the statement said.

It is noted that Kishida and Michel also expressed concern about "unilateral attempts to change the status quo" and the development of the DPRK's nuclear missile programme.

In his post on Twitter on September 27, Charles Michel said: "In times of uncertainty, strong partnerships matter even more. With Kishida, we discussed how we address global challenges together also in light of Japan's imminent role as G7 chair. Japan is a hugely important partner in supporting Ukraine and safeguarding multilateral order."

In times of uncertainty, strong partnerships matter even more.

With @kishida230 discussed how we address global challenges together also in light of Japan’s imminent role as @G7 chair.

🇯🇵 is a hugely important partner in supporting #Ukraine & safeguarding multilateral order. pic.twitter.com/zVvlVfVqeb

— Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) September 27, 2022