Japan, UK discuss anti-Russia sanctions

Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and his British counterpart James Cleverley have discussed anti-Russian sanctions and other issues related to bilateral relations in Tokyo.

The sides confirmed the importance of continuing the sanctions policy against Russia and supporting Ukraine through close cooperation with the international community, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said in its press release on September 27.

"In addressing Russia's aggression against Ukraine, the two ministers affirmed the importance of continuing sanctions against Russia and support for Ukraine through close collaboration with the international community, and that they would work in concert to address unilateral attempts to change the status quo. In addition, the Ministers concurred on the need to address economic coercion, and affirmed that they would deepen the discussion on challenges such as economic security and development finance," the ministry said.

According to Hayashi, relations between Tokyo and London have become closer recently, including through the development of cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

British Foreign Minister James Cleverly who arrived in Japan to attend the state funeral of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, tweeted: "We reaffirmed the strong partnership between the UK and Japan on regional and economic security and promoting our shared values."