The leaders of Japan and Germany have agreed to work together to boost cooperation with emerging and developing nations collectively known as the Global South.
Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and Chancellor Olaf Scholz held talks in Hiroshima City on Friday morning, ahead of the opening of the G7 summit.
Kishida said he hopes to lead G7 discussions on maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order based on the rule of law.
The two leaders agreed to promote talks on the Global South in the summit meeting.
They also agreed to convey to the international community the commitment by G7 nations to continue sanctions against Russia and support for Ukraine.
Kishida and Scholz also confirmed cooperation to deal with issues, such as China's increasing activities and North Korea's missile program and abductions of foreign nationals.