Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will visit five nations in Southeast Asia and Europe over the Golden Week holidays for talks with their leaders as he seeks to confirm cooperation with the countries in the face of Russia's war in Ukraine, the government said Thursday.
During his eight-day trip from Friday, Kishida is expected to discuss the response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine with the leaders of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Italy and Britain. He will also look to strengthen cooperation to advance a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" as China continues its maritime expansion in the region.
"We will confirm cooperation in responding to regional and global issues, including the situations in Ukraine, the East and South China seas, North Korea and Myanmar," said Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno in announcing the trip at a regular news conference.