TAORMINA, ITALY- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and new French President Emmanuel Macron agreed Friday to promote their countries’ security cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region in view of the growing maritime presence of China there.

At their first meeting, in Taormina on the southern Italy island of Sicily, Abe invited Macron, who became president this month, to visit Japan at an early date. In reply, Macron said he is delighted to accept the invitation, according to Japanese officials with access to the meeting.

The two leaders also agreed to seek early conclusion of a bilateral acquisition and cross-servicing agreement to allow the Japanese and French militaries to mutually supply water, fuel and other things.

The officials noted that Abe praised the recent joint drills among the Japanese, French, British and US forces in the waters near Japan as having demonstrated a “landmark progress” in their cooperation.

Macron was quoted as saying that he completely supports Japan’s position in coping with North Korean missile and nuclear development.

The Japanese and French leaders are willing to attend the opening ceremony of Japonism 2018, a series of events in France to feature Japanese cultures to mark the 160th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties, according to the officials. (Jiji Press)