Tokyo, 11 July 2023 (TDI): Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio is set to depart for Europe on an important diplomatic mission to attend the NATO summit.
The four-day tour, commencing on 11 July, will encompass visits to Lithuania, Belgium, and high-level meetings with European leaders.
This marks Kishida’s second participation in a NATO summit, reinforcing Japan’s commitment to global security and cooperation.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced that Japan and NATO are set to release a new security cooperation document during the NATO summit taking place in Lithuania.
As geopolitical concerns continue to rise, Kishida expressed his eagerness to reaffirm collaboration with like-minded countries in upholding a rules-based, free, and open international order.
Before his departure from Tokyo to attend the two-day NATO meeting, Kishida emphasized the summit’s significance as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation.
It is expected that Prime Minister Kishida and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg will unveil the new document to enhance collaboration between Japan and the alliance in key areas such as maritime security, response to disinformation, and outer space.
Japan’s Commitment to Ukraine’s Issue
During the NATO summit, Prime Minister Kishida intends to emphasize Japan’s readiness to actively contribute to resolving the situation in Ukraine. Prime Minister Kishida is also anticipated to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to reaffirm Japan’s commitment to supporting Ukraine.
Also Read: Japan Reassures Ukraine recovery efforts.
Drawing from the successes achieved at the G7 Hiroshima summit, he will emphasize the importance of closer collaboration between Japan and the alliance.
Recognizing the inseparable link between the security of Europe and the Indo-Pacific region, Kishida aims to bolster cooperation to address common challenges.
Japan and Korea
In a significant development, Prime Minister Kishida is also expected to engage in talks with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol on the sidelines of the summit. The primary focus of their discussion will be Japan’s plan to release treated and diluted water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the sea.
Also Read: China Rejects IAEA Report on Japan’s nuclear waste.
Kishida aims to comprehensively explain the plan and address any concerns that may arise.
Concluding his European tour, Kishida will visit Belgium, where he is scheduled to hold meetings with EU leaders. A joint statement is expected to be released, outlining plans to expand security cooperation between Japan and the European Union.
Also Read: EU and Japan Agree on digital trade principles
Prime Minister Kishida’s visit to Europe underscores Japan’s strong stance on global security matters and its willingness to actively contribute to addressing challenges on an international scale. The tour symbolizes Japan’s commitment to building stronger partnerships and fostering global peace and stability.
