Kishida "We will further advances Japan-Korea relations" President Biden "welcome"

Prime Minister Kishida made clear his intention to improve Japan-South Korea relations at a Japan-US summit meeting the day before the opening of the Group of Seven (G7) summit.

According to Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on May 18th, Prime Minister Kishida mentioned during the meeting that he would visit South Korea on the 7th and 8th and said that he would make progress in Japan-South Korea relations.

The White House also announced that President Biden complimented Prime Minister Kishida for his courageous efforts to improve bilateral relations with South Korea, which contributes to regional stability and prosperity.

The leaders of Japan and the United States also confirmed their intention to cooperate closely in response to provocations from North Korea and China.

Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "Towards the complete denuclearization of North Korea through UN Security Council resolutions, Japan, the United States, and South Korea will continue to cooperate closely, including strengthening regional deterrence, including security cooperation between Japan and the United States, and responding to the Security Council. We were in agreement."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also said, "The United States and Japan have agreed to continue to work closely together in responding to challenges surrounding China."

The White House also opposes the attempts by the leaders of Japan and the United States to change the status quo by force, and in the Indo-Pacific region, South Korea and Quad (a four-way security consultation body consisting of the United States, Japan, Australia, and India), Southeast Asian and Pacific countries, etc. and emphasized the importance of strengthening multilateral cooperation.

The two leaders also discussed ways to strengthen Japan-U.S. defense cooperation, according to the White House and the Foreign Ministry. The two leaders reaffirmed that extended deterrence (including the nuclear umbrella) provided by the United States, combined with strengthening Japan's defense capabilities, will play an essential role in ensuring Japan's security and peace in the region.

Regarding the abduction issue of Japanese citizens in North Korea, President Biden reaffirmed the United States' commitment to the immediate resolution of the abduction issue.

Regarding Russia's aggression against Ukraine, the two leaders shared the view that they would continue to cooperate closely with relevant countries, including the G7, and continue to provide sanctions against Russia and assistance to Ukraine.