Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and the European Union held their first-ever vice foreign ministerial talks Thursday, agreeing to advance specific cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, according to the Japanese government.
The officials shared the view that it is “meaningful” to discuss how to maintain the free and open international order based on the rule of law, the Foreign Ministry said, apparently alluding to China’s maritime assertiveness in the area.
The virtual gathering came as European nations have been focusing on reinforcing their security partnership with the four Asia-Pacific countries, especially after Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
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Read More: Japan envoy meets with counterparts from other Asia-Pacific democracies and European Union
