The foreign and defense chiefs of Japan and Germany have agreed to keep sanctions on Russia and support Ukraine along with the international community. The ministers also agreed to boost security cooperation.

Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa met his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock in Germany on Thursday. The defense ministers, Hamada Yasukazu and Christine Lambrecht, joined them online.

They confirmed that Russia's invasion of Ukraine has shaken the foundation of international order in Europe and Asia.

The chiefs shared serious concerns over China's increasing maritime assertiveness. They agreed to strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force.

The ministers confirmed their cooperation in dealing with North Korea, which has repeatedly launched ballistic missiles.

They agreed to begin talks on a legal framework to allow the Japanese Self-Defense Forces and the German military to more smoothly engage in joint operations.

They also concurred in principle that their countries will hold foreign and defense ministers' talks once a year.