Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru is calling for more cooperation among the Group of Seven nations. He says the security situations in Europe and the Indo-Pacific are becoming more connected.

The G7 leaders held talks for about an hour via video link late on Friday night, Japan time.

Ishiba expressed serious concerns about Russia's deepening military ties with North Korea, which recently sent troops to support Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. He added that their relationship directly impacts security in the Indo-Pacific.

Ishiba said Japan will consider additional sanctions on entities involved in circumventing those imposed against Russia.

As an example, he referred to the supply of items that can be converted for military use.

He also said Japan will continue to support the reconstruction of Ukraine while helping the country get through winter.

Ishiba said fair and lasting peace in Ukraine will need a united front from the G7.

The Japanese leader said Japan will enhance cooperation with like-minded partners in light of China's growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific.

And he said the G7 plays a primary role in maintaining and strengthening the rules-based international order.