Minister Hayashi, who is visiting Belgium, held a meeting with High Representative Borrell of the EU = European Union, and shared the view that they would continue to cooperate on sanctions against Russia and support for Ukraine regarding their response to the situation in Ukraine.
Minister Hayashi arrived in Belgium on the afternoon of June 4, Japan time, to attend a Foreign Ministers' Meeting between NATO = North Atlantic Treaty Organization and partner countries such as Japan, and held talks for about 45 minutes while having a meal with High Representative Borrell, who is the Foreign Minister of the EU.
Minister Hayashi stated, "I would like to cooperate closely with the EU, an important partner that shares fundamental values to safeguard a free and open international order based on the rule of law."
On that basis, the two leaders shared the view that they would continue to cooperate on sanctions against Russia and assistance to Ukraine over their response to the situation in Ukraine.
Minister Hayashi also asked for cooperation for the early lifting of import restrictions on Japan food products that the EU continues.
Prior to this, Minister Hayashi also held a meeting with Belgian Foreign Minister Raviv and shared the recognition that it is necessary to strengthen efforts to reach out to emerging and developing countries called the "Global South," which are considered to be neutral in Ukraine and other areas.