Japan’s Hayashi eager to pursue Russian responsibility

Jiji Press

16:57 JST, May 14, 2022

WEISSENHAUS, Germany (Jiji Press) — Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi stressed his eagerness to pursue Russia’s responsibility for its invasion of Ukraine in a meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart, Dmytro Kuleba, on Friday.

Hayashi met with Kuleba in Weissenhaus, northern Germany, on the sidelines of a three-day meeting of the Group of Seven foreign ministers from Thursday.

“Russia’s brutal act is absolutely unforgivable, and we must hold [the country] responsible,” Hayashi told Kuleba.

The two ministers also confirmed the significance of sanctions against Russia implemented by the international community in a united way.

Kuleba expressed gratitude for Japan’s decision to ban imports of Russian oil in principle, saying Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy evaluates the decision highly.

Hayashi also met with Moldovan Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu and praised the European country for accepting many Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s aggression.

Hayashi said that Tokyo will continue its support for Moldova. Popescu expressed gratitude for Japan’s assistance.

The Japanese minister also had talks with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock.

The two shared the view that changing the status quo by force, as represented by Russia’s invasion, is unacceptable anywhere in the world.

They also agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region apparently bearing China’s moves in mind.

On Friday, the G7 foreign ministers mainly discussed the Ukrainian crisis.

Participants renewed pledges to continue their countries’ military and financial support for Ukraine and sanctions against Russia.

They also agreed to take steps to ease disruptions to food exports from Ukraine, often referred to as the world’s breadbasket, and prevent the food crisis in developing nations from escalating.