In light of the wars in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip, as well as changing relations with the United States, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul emphasized the importance of cooperation with partners who share the same values, such as Japan.

At the start of his first official visit to Japan during his meeting with his counterpart Takashi Iwaya in Tokyo on Monday, the minister said that Japan is a “distinguished partner” for Germany in Asia.

Wadephul added that Germany has “a deep and long-standing friendship and close cooperation” with Japan, stating: “We share values and have common interests,” expressing his belief that clarifying this “in times of crises and wars is crucial.”

Wadephul mentioned that Germany “has traditional allies, who are close and important to us like the United States of America,” saying: “But even these friendships face new challenges today,” adding that the wars and conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, and the potential nuclear armament of Iran “clearly show that close cooperation among friends and natural allies is increasingly important.”

For his part, Iwaya said that the international system still faces difficult challenges, adding that there is an increasing importance of cooperation and coordination between Japan and Germany, as members of the Group of Seven industrial democratic countries and as defensive powers in both Asia and Europe.

Wadephul intends to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba as well as several ministers responsible for economic affairs in Tokyo, and he also plans to deliver a speech at a peace-related institution.