Japan: Current G7 framework should be maintained

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi on Tuesday stressed the importance of maintaining the current "framework" of the Group of Seven leading economies.

The comments came in response to a reporter's question on Japan's position on expanding G7 membership to other countries such as South Korea, after media reports said Japan had opposed the inclusion of South Korea citing unnamed government sources.

Motegi refrained from answering the question directly but said it is meaningful for G7 members, who share the same fundamental values, to be able to hold "open and lively" discussion.

US President Donald Trump earlier this month said he plans to invite Russia, Australia, South Korea and India to a G7 summit later in the year, advocating for the group's expansion.

The European Union and other members of the Group of Seven have indicated that Russia must not be allowed back into the fold.

The G7 members are Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The group's presidency rotates annually among member countries.

Trump has repeatedly advocated for expanding the group to again include Russia, prompting opposition from some members.