Japanese prime minister to visit New York for UN General Assembly

By Necva Tastan

ISTANBUL (AA) – The Japanese prime minister will go on a three-day visit to New York next week to participate in the UN General Assembly, along with associated meetings and events, announced his government on Friday.

According to Tokyo-based Kyodo News, during Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s trip starting on Sept. 19, he is expected to hold bilateral talks with world leaders on the sidelines of the General Assembly session.

Kishida will address the General Assembly and participate in events related to global issues, including nuclear disarmament, the Ukraine conflict, and sustainable development goals, said Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno in a news conference.

Matsuno said that Kishida’s visit aims to “emphasize the significance of efforts to strengthen the function of the United Nations, including reforms.”

The newly appointed foreign minister, Yoko Kamikawa, will also be visiting New York for five days starting next Monday, which will be her first visit since being appointed, according to a statement from the Foreign Ministry.

“As this year’s chair of the G-7, Japan will deliver a strong message about the importance of the United Nations that should play a central role in promoting the rule of law,” stressed the foreign minister.

Kamikawa said in a news conference that the visit will preside over a foreign ministerial gathering of the Group of Seven industrialized nations and participate in various other events. She will also have bilateral talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and counterparts from countries like Indonesia and Australia.