Society

Quad leaders confirm close cooperation in response to invasion of Ukraine

Mar 04 (NHK) - The leaders of Japan, the United States, Australia and India have confirmed they will closely cooperate in responding to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The four countries are known as the "Quad" partnership. India has close relations with Russia.

The leaders -- Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi -- held a teleconference on Thursday.

During the talks, Kishida said the Russian aggression against Ukraine represents an attempt to change the status quo by force. He said he severely condemns the action, as it destabilizes the foundation of international order.

Kishida also said Japan has moved swiftly to impose strong sanctions against Russia in close coordination with the international community, including the Group of Seven nations. He added that Japan has been working to support Ukraine.

The leaders agreed that any unilateral change of status quo by force in the Indo-Pacific region is unacceptable, and that they will promote further efforts to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Source: ANNnewsCH

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