Europe

　On Wednesday, June 4, commencing at 7:50 p.m. (local time) for approximately 15 minutes, during his visit to Brussels, in Belgium to attend the G7 summit, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a meeting regarding the Ukraine situation with H.E. Mr. Francois Hollande, President of French Republic. An overview of the meeting is as follows.

1. The two leaders welcomed that Ukraine’s presidential election was held largely peacefully in May, and shared the view that they will call upon Russia to accept the results of Ukraine’s presidential election as legitimate and to pursue constructive dialogue with Ukraine’s new administration. They also shared the view that the stability of Eastern Ukraine must be ensured, and that Ukraine’s domestic reforms should be supported.

2. Additionally, the two leaders shared the view that Russia’s actions, including its annexation of Crimea, cannot be tolerated, but from a long-term perspective there is also a necessity to have Russia contribute to global issues as a responsible player.

3. Furthermore, Prime Minister Abe stated that because the Ukraine situation affects the global situation, including Asia, Japan will also proactively participate in and contribute to the debate, which was welcomed by President Hollande.