Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio says he has agreed with Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz to step up bilateral cooperation in view of the current global situation.

Kishida was speaking to reporters after meeting Scholz on Friday in Berlin.

Kishida said the international community faces tough challenges, such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

He said efforts to maintain and strengthen the free and open international order based on the rule of law are becoming even more important.

Scholz hailed a bilateral agreement on the provision of supplies and services between Japan's Self-Defense Forces and Germany's military.

He said the pact, which took effect on Friday, will raise bilateral security cooperation to a new level.

Scholz said Japan's financial assistance for Ukraine deserves thanks and recognition, adding that Tokyo has also imposed extensive sanctions against Russia.

He went on to say, "Together, we stand closely by Ukraine's side."