Asahi wrote that Defense Minister Kishi held talks with his visiting Italian counterpart Guerini at his office on Tuesday. The paper wrote that with China’s increasing maritime activities in mind, Kishi welcomed Italy’s and other European nations’ increasing engagement in the Indo-Pacific and that the two defense chiefs confirmed they will promote their nations’ defense cooperation through joint drills and other activities. At the outset of the meeting, Kishi condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine by saying it is critically important for likeminded nations that share such universal values as freedom, human rights, and the rule of law to respond to Russia in a unified manner.