Press Conference by the Prime Minister regarding Summit Telephone Talks with Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh of the Lao PDR and President Emmanuel Macron of France

 
 
(On summit telephone talks with Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh of the Lao PDR, and President Emmanuel Macron of France) 
 
A short while ago, I had two summit telephone talks, one with Lao Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh and the other with French President Emmanuel Macron. I told each of them that Russia's aggression against Ukraine is a grave violation of international law and that Japan strongly condemns the act. I also referred to the need for the international community to unite and take resolute actions to fully defend the very foundation of the international order. I confirmed with each of the leaders that we will continue to work in close cooperation. Russia's latest aggression undermines not only Europe, but also Asia as well as the entire international order and Japan strongly condemns it. Through the summit diplomacy I engage down the road, I will work closely with the international community, including the G7 and Asian countries. Changing the status quo by force should never be tolerated and I recognize that this is an important issue that must be taken seriously not only in Europe, but also in the international community as a whole, including in Asia.