Kishida-Meloni, 'unwavering support for Kiev, forward sanctions'

(ANSA) - HIROSHIMA, 19 MAY - Bilateral relations, with the promotion of "concrete cooperation as strategic partners", but also the defense of "free and open international order based on the rule of law", in addition to "unshakable solidarity" with Ukraine. These are the topics at the center of the conversation "which lasted about 60 minutes" between Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, according to a note from Tokyo. "With regard to Russia's aggression in Ukraine, the two leaders said they would continue with severe sanctions on Russia and strong solidarity with Ukraine."
Among the topics of the bilateral meeting, which was held on the eve of the G7 in Hiroshima, was an exchange of views "on the situation in East Asia": on the merits, the two leaders "affirmed that they continue to coordinate closely in addressing issues related to China and relations with North Korea, including nuclear and missile issues, as well as the issue of kidnappings".
On bilateral relations, "Prime Minister Kishida welcomed the progress of security and defence cooperation and the two leaders shared the idea of deepening discussions on concrete cooperation through politico-military dialogue and other channels. The two leaders also welcomed the rosy prospects for the entry into force of the Agreement on Social Security between the two countries, which is important to further facilitate people-to-people and economic exchanges. In addition, Prime Minister Kishida reiterated his request for Italian cooperation for the rapid lifting of import measures on Japanese food products by the EU. (ANSA).