Japan, Canada reaffirm support for Ukraine amid Russia crisis

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – The prime ministers of Japan and Canada on Wednesday expressed support for Ukraine amid heightened military tensions with Russia.

In a phone call, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau said their governments “continue to monitor the situation in Ukraine with grave concern.”

“(The duo) confirmed their consistent support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and concurred to continue close coordination between them,” the Japanese Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Tensions in Ukraine have been increasing for months after Russia amassed tens of thousands of troops near Ukraine’s border, which the West says is preparation for war. Both NATO and the EU have warned of severe consequences if Moscow invades its neighbor.

Russia has repeatedly denied that it plans to attack Ukraine, insisting that its troops are there only for exercises.

Kishida and Trudeau also discussed bilateral and regional affairs, including China and North Korea, in their phone conversation, which lasted for approximately 30 minutes.

“They shared serious concern about North Korea’s frequent nuclear and missile activities,” the statement said.

Kishida hailed Canada as an “important, strategic partner for Japan in the Indo-Pacific region.”

Trudeau responded by saying that he was looking forward to “further strengthening the cooperation between Japan and Canada to address various challenges facing the international community,” according to the statement.

The two sides “shared the view to advance further cooperation and collaboration on the concrete aspects of the six priority areas of cooperation toward the realization of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” it added.

Referring to “priority” areas of cooperation, including free trade promotion and trade agreement implementation, the two leaders also discussed “the importance of upholding the high standard” of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership – a trade pact among Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam.