Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa met his Malaysian counterpart Saifuddin Abdullah in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday.

During the 90-minute meeting, Hayashi conveyed his strong opposition to any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo in the East and South China seas by force. China has been stepping up acts of hegemony in the region.

Hayashi also explained the importance of maintaining and strengthening the rule-based international order and responding to economic coercion.

He expressed his intention to advance cooperation with Malaysia in achieving a free and open Indo-Pacific.

On Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Hayashi said the act goes against international law and should never be approved.

Hayashi and Saifuddin confirmed that they will continue to cooperate in responding to the matter.

The foreign ministers also agreed to cooperate in dealing with North Korea, which has repeatedly test-fired ballistic missiles since late September.

The ministers also confirmed that they will step up coordination on strengthening the functions of the United Nations, including reforming the Security Council, and the issue of nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation.

At a joint news conference held after the meeting, Hayashi said he plans to revitalize and further develop ties with Malaysia through personnel exchanges as the countries are overcoming the coronavirus pandemic.