The prime ministers of Japan and Canada have agreed to work together to show the world the unwavering solidarity of the Group of Seven nations.
Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau talked for about 30 minutes on Friday morning in the western Japanese city of Hiroshima ahead of the opening of the G7 summit.
Kishida thanked Trudeau for Canada's support in evacuating Japanese nationals from Sudan when fighting broke out between warring parties there.
Kishida also expressed hope to work with Canada to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific, and to ensure peace and stability in the region and the international community.
The two leaders agreed that they will continue to cooperate in addressing issues related to China and responding to North Korea. They noted concerns such as the North's nuclear, missile and abductions issues.
On the situation in Ukraine, Kishida and Trudeau confirmed that they will continue coordination to impose sanctions on Russia and support Ukraine.
The leaders also agreed to work together to strengthen engagement with emerging and developing nations collectively known as the Global South.