U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen met recently with Japan’s Minister of Finance Sunichi Suzuki during the G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors session in Niigata, Japan.

In remarks during their session together, released by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Yellen offered thanks to Suzuki for Japan’s leadership as the G7 host nation. 

“This year the G7 has demonstrated a steadfast unity in our response to Russia’s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine. And our work together on critical macroeconomic issues is contributing to a stronger global economy,” Yellen said in remarks, according to the news release.

Yellen also lauded the host country for its continued efforts to tackle global supply chain issues.

“I appreciate your focus as G7 host on highlighting supply chain resilience and clean energy technologies,” Yellen added in her remarks. “Spillovers from Russia’s war against Ukraine and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have made clear the importance of diversified and resilient supply chains.”

Yellen also told Suzuki she looks forward to discussing unfolding global economic challenges that can affect member nations, including the U.S. and Japan.

“At the G7 and beyond, we need to address pressing issues around the world, such as debt vulnerabilities in emerging market and developing economies and evolving the multilateral development banks," Yellen said.

Moreover, Yellen also cited the long relationship between the United States and Japan, which she said has been built upon a foundation of deep ties, mutual respect and trust.

“The U.S.-Japan alliance is a pillar of global stability and of our shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” she concluded. “I look forward to continuing to build on the strong foundation of our relationship as we discuss new areas of bilateral and multilateral cooperation.”