G7 foreign ministers agree to tackle issues of common concern in Indo-Pacific

The Group of Seven foreign ministers have agreed to continue working together in tackling issues in the Indo-Pacific region that they acknowledge as shared concerns.

The ministers held discussions on the matter on Tuesday in Fiuggi, near Rome, in Italy, joined by their counterparts from India, Philippines, South Korea and Indonesia.

Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi said Japan wants to cooperate with like-minded partners to protect a free and open international order based on the rule of law.

The countries shared concerns about the situation in the East and South China Seas, where China has been stepping up its maritime expansion.

But the G7 also said the group seeks constructive and stable relations with China, recognizes the importance of engagement to manage differences, and reaffirms its readiness to cooperate with China to address global challenges.

Iwaya also called for G7 unity in dealing with North Korea’s nuclear and missile development programs, which Japan is particularly concerned about.

Iwaya also asked for cooperation in achieving the early resolution of the issue of Japanese nationals abducted to North Korea decades ago. The countries showed their support.

The countries also shared mutual worries about North Korea’s deployment of its soldiers to Russia to support its aggression against Ukraine and their use in combat.