Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed Wednesday to step up their countries' cooperation in promoting stability in the Indo-Pacific region where China has been increasing its influence.
The two leaders also reaffirmed their commitment toward the denuclearization of North Korea and early entry into force of a free trade agreement signed in July between Japan and the European Union.
France possesses territories in the Pacific region, including New Caledonia and French Polynesia.
Abe has been pushing for the "Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy," which reflects Tokyo's interest in boosting relations with countries from Asia to as far as Africa that share such universal values as democracy and the rule of law, amid China's rising international clout.
