By HISASHI ISHIMATSU/ Staff Writer
May 22, 2023 at 12:40 JST
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida speaks at a news conference at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park on May 21 after the conclusion of the G-7 summit that day. (Jun Ueda)
HIROSHIMA--Prime Minister Fumio Kishida lauded “the historical significance” of the Group of Seven summit that he hosted here.
“As the G-7, we confirmed the importance of a free and open international order based on the rule of law and demonstrated our resolve to protect it to the end,” Kishida said at a news conference at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park on May 21 after the summit concluded.
“We were able to secure the basis toward achieving the ideal that is a world without nuclear weapons, and once again boost momentum in the international community toward nuclear disarmament,” he said.
Kishida said he felt it was historically significant for the G-7 leaders to learn the realities of the devastation caused by the atomic bombing of the host city as well as their issuing of the “Hiroshima Vision on Nuclear Disarmament” statement.
On Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Kishida said, “To end (the war) as soon as possible, we will continue the strict sanctions against Russia and strong support for Ukraine.”
The Japanese prime minister also referred to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s appearance at the G-7 summit.
“It is unforgivable to threaten to use nuclear weapons to change the status quo by force, let alone use them. (Zelenskiy’s attendance) communicated such a message with urgency,” Kishida said.
He also said the “global south,” the term used to describe emerging and developing countries, has been significantly affected by the Russian invasion, particularly by the food crisis.
“The G-7 members and the guest countries to the summit will cooperate to address (the issue),” he said.
In addition, Kishida said the G-7 leaders agreed on the importance of directly communicating their concerns about China to Beijing.
But he added that the leaders agreed that they are ready to build a constructive and stable relationship with China through dialogue.
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