Tokyo: Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi expressed "firm" support for the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Tuesday amid US criticism of the court. The support was extended during Motegi's meeting with ICC President Judge Tomoko Akane, Japan's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

According to Anadolu Agency, Motegi stated that "as a nation that attaches great importance to the rule of law, Japan will continue to provide firm support for the ICC," ensuring the court's independence and security. Akane expressed gratitude for Japan's support. The two sides also discussed the "environment surrounding the ICC and concurred to continue working closely together in order to maintain and strengthen the rule of law in the international community," according to the statement.

Last year, the US imposed sanctions on the ICC, including against its judges, over cases related to Israel. In December of last year, when Washington sanctioned two ICC judges, Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused them of being "directly engaged" in the "illegitimate targeting of Israel." Earlier, the US sanctioned ICC officials who authorized arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing both officials of war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip.