NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, Canada (Kyodo) -- Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi on Tuesday agreed with his British counterpart Yvette Cooper to strengthen defense and economic security cooperation.

During his first talks with Cooper since assuming the post three weeks ago, Motegi told her that Japan wants to further develop its cooperative relationship with Britain and together address various challenges facing the international community, noting that both countries are major allies of the United States.

Before a meeting of Group of Seven foreign ministers in the small Canadian town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Cooper agreed with Motegi's view. At the outset, which was open to the press, she said that the two countries have "very much in common," including their strong commitment to the rule of law and shared views on security.

Cooper touched on a British aircraft carrier strike group's port call in Japan this summer and the two countries' joint project with Italy to develop a next-generation fighter jet by 2035, according to Japan's Foreign Ministry.

Motegi and Copper discussed issues including Russia's war in Ukraine and the situation in the Indo-Pacific region, according to the ministry.

Ahead of the G7 meeting, Motegi also met with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand and agreed to cooperate closely toward realizing a free and open Indo-Pacific, based on their countries' action plan.

In addition, the ministry said Motegi and Anand reaffirmed the two countries' resolve to work toward the early signing of a defense equipment and technology transfer deal, as well as an accord on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters.

Among other topics, it said they discussed North Korea and Canadian liquefied natural gas supply to Japan.