TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The youth division leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party has called for greater cooperation between Taiwan and Japan. 

During a visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday, LDP Youth Division Director Nakasone Yasutaka (中曾根康隆) said both are island countries with shared values and should increase cooperation in maritime affairs, CNA reported. Nakasone is part of a delegation representing the LDP, which includes 11 Japanese lawmakers. 

The delegation gave a joint interview to the press to discuss areas in which the two nations can work together to improve regional security. Nakasone said they should consider establishing new mechanisms to protect ocean trade routes in the Indo-Pacific to safeguard energy and food. 

He also mentioned declining birth rates and super-aged societies, issues which both countries will have to contend with in the decades ahead. 

The delegation arrived on April 29 and met with business and political leaders. President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) met with the delegation on Thursday and commented on the importance of maintaining strong ties and building bridges among young leaders of both nations. 

The LDP Youth Division has organized annual visits to Taiwan since 1967 to maintain a connection with Taiwan and an awareness of broader regional issues, per CNA. The group will return to Japan on Saturday.