The foreign affairs and defense ministers of Japan and France have agreed to bolster bilateral security cooperation, and also apparently opposed China's unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the East and South China seas.

Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa and Defense Minister Kishi Nobuo held an online meeting with their French counterparts, Jean-Yves Le Drian and Florence Parly, on Thursday. The ministers compiled a joint statement on their agreements.

Hayashi said at the beginning of the "two-plus-two" talks that he hoped to elevate Japan-France cooperation to a higher level to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The ministers strongly opposed coercion and unilateral attempts by force to change the status quo that undermine international order in the East and South China seas. China has been increasingly asserting its presence in the areas.

They also shared recognition of the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

The ministers agreed to promote discussions on a possible deal that would establish arrangements for the Japanese Self-Defense Forces and the French military to hold joint exercises.

The two sides shared strong concerns over progress in North Korea's nuclear and missile development. They concurred that they will urge Pyongyang to act to implement the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

The ministers also agreed to call on Russia to avoid escalating tensions over Ukraine in any form.