Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, right, and Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics shake hands ahead of their talks in Tokyo on May 19, 2025. (Kyodo)
TOKYO (Kyodo) — Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics agreed Monday to upgrade their nations’ ties to a “strategic partnership” in a bid to boost cooperation amid Russia’s prolonged invasion of Ukraine.
At a joint press event with Rinkevics after their talks in Tokyo, Ishiba said the two affirmed to step up collaboration in such fields as security, economy, technology and culture, as well as toward realizing a “just and lasting peace” in Ukraine.
The leaders also said they confirmed that Japan and Latvia will work together to deal with North Korea, which has been strengthening its military partnership with Russia and posing security threats with its missile and nuclear development.
Latvia, a NATO member, borders Russia and its close ally Belarus. Rinkevics is making a three-day visit to Japan through Tuesday to attend the World Exposition in Osaka.