Kishida, Scholz Agree on Economic Security Cooperation

   Tokyo, March 18 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Saturday agreed to cooperate in the field of economic security, including by strengthening supply chains for semiconductors and other advanced technology products.
   Meeting at the prime minister's official residence in Tokyo, they also confirmed the importance of continuing to impose strict sanctions against Russia and provide strong support to Ukraine.
   At the beginning of the talks, Kishida stressed that Japan and Germany have been maintaining relations that are stronger than ever.
   Scholz voiced hopes to continue cooperation between the two countries.
   In the meeting, the two leaders agreed to step up cooperation to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific, against the backdrop of China's maritime expansion. Also, they are believed to have exchanged views on a summit of the Group of Seven major democracies to be held in the western Japan city of Hiroshima in May.

(2023/03/18-20:36)