Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio will begin a three-day visit to India and Cambodia on Saturday. He is expected to confirm cooperation with the leaders of the countries in addressing the situation in Ukraine.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu announced on Friday that Kishida will meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen during the tour.

Matsuno said Kishida will seek to further promote bilateral ties in his talks with Modi. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and India.

Kishida also plans to confirm closer cooperation under the Quad framework, which includes the United States and Australia, as well as Japan and India.

Matsuno noted that Cambodia is the rotating chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations this year. He said Kishida plans to confirm stronger cooperation with the country, to promote bilateral relations and realize a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Matsuno said Kishida plans to discuss the situation in Ukraine with his Indian and Cambodian counterparts.

nhk