Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel pledged Monday to play a more active role in maintaining stability and prosperity in the international community, including finding a peaceful solution for the Ukrainian crisis.
"As responsible global partners, the two countries have very important roles in addressing various issues that not only Asia and Europe but also the international society face," Abe said at a joint news conference in his office after the summit with Merkel.
Pointing out that the Ukrainian crisis has serious international implications, Abe said he and Merkel, as the hosts of the next two Group of Seven summits, will cooperate on the issue.