Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio is considering a visit to Germany for a summit with Chancellor Olaf Scholz next month.

Kishida has been invited to a NATO summit scheduled for early next month in Washington.

A Japanese government source said the prime minister also hopes to visit Germany and meet the German chancellor.

The two leaders are expected to exchange views over economic security and defense cooperation at a time when the international order has become increasingly uncertain.

Topics may include how to build solid supply chains of mineral resources and semiconductors, as well as to better protect AI and other emerging technologies, in line with agreements made at the high-level intergovernmental consultations inaugurated last year.

The two leaders may discuss stepping up defense cooperation amid Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine and security concerns in East Asia, including China's increased maritime activities.