RIYADH: Japan and the EU have agreed to step up sanctions on Russia in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, according to a statement released by Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who held talks in Tokyo with Von der Leyen, also agreed to enhance their strategic partnership to diversify and strengthen supply chains. Kishida said that Japan supports tough sanctions against Russia as the ongoing war is shaking the world order not only in Europe but in Asia as well. The Japanese prime minister added that security in Europe and in the Indo-Pacific are inseparable. Meanwhile, the leaders promised cooperation in a range of areas including digital transformation, renewable energy and climate. Von der Leyen said the EU’s Global Gateway strategy will enable further joint projects in the region and promote connectivity partnership and green alliance.