Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa, currently visiting Singapore, met the country's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Saturday.

During the 45-minute meeting, Hayashi and Lee condemned Russia's unilateral annexation of four Ukrainian regions, saying it violates Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Hayashi also conveyed his opposition to any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo in the East and South China seas by force, in an apparent reference to China.

Hayashi referred to North Korea's frequent ballistic missile launches, and agreed with Lee to cooperate in dealing with various issues related to the North, including its abduction of Japanese nationals.

Hayashi then met Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan over lunch for about an hour and a half, and conveyed Japan's intention to cooperate in realizing a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

He also explained Japan's plan to ease anti-coronavirus border controls and start allowing more foreign tourists to visit the country from October 11.