TOKYO (Sputnik) – Relations with Russia and the settlement of the Ukraine conflict will be among the key topics of discussion between leaders of Japan and Germany, due to meet on Monday in Tokyo, NHK TV channel reported Monday, citing government sources.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrived in Japan earlier on Monday for a two-day visit.
#Japan’s PM @AbeShinzo receives Chllr #Merkel with military honors in his official residence. pic.twitter.com/KIII2agQRZ MT @RegSprecher
— GermanForeignOffice (@GermanyDiplo) March 9, 2015
The Japanese leader feels that economic sanctions alone will not solve the crisis over Ukraine, the channel reported.
NHK also cited government sources saying that Abe is expected to back Merkel's efforts to solve the Ukraine crisis through political dialogue amid reports of sporadic violations of the ceasefire in the area contested by independence forces and government forces.
The current trip is Merkel's first visit to Tokyo in seven years. The German chancellor is also expected to meet Japan's Emperor Akihito, Deutsche Welle reported.
The West has imposed several rounds against Russia over its alleged involvement in the Ukrainian crisis, claims that Moscow has repeatedly denied. Japan has not joined the sectoral sanctions against the Russian economy, but restricted arms trade with Moscow.
