The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, had a telephone conversation with the Japanese Prime Minister, Kishida Fumio, on Tuesday 15 February. They specifically discussed the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
The two leaders reiterated their support for Kiev and pledged to continue working “in close coordination to support appeasement”.
On the same day, the Japanese Prime Minister was also due to hold talks with the Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky. Earlier on, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi stressed Tokyo’s support for “the integrity of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territory”.
Ms von der Leyen also thanked Japan for the decision it took last week to send its surplus liquefied natural gas to Europe. Both von der Leyen and Fumio confirmed that they would continue to cooperate in order to ensure energy security.
They also discussed their bilateral relationship in more detail and possible “flagship projects” under the framework of the European Global Gateway initiative (see EUROPE 12844/7). (Original version in French by Léa Marchal)