Kishida confirmed on Aug 14 that he will not seek re-election as head of his party next month, meaning the end of his premiership. – Reuters
TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is reportedly planning to attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York next month, which could mark his final international visit before stepping down as leader of the ruling party, government sources said Saturday (Aug 18).
According to Kyodo news agency, Kishida is also considering holding talks with US President Joe Biden and other world leaders during the visit.
This trip would occur just days before the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) holds its leadership election on Sept 27 to select Kishida's successor, the sources added.
Kishida has indicated that he will hold a high-level meeting with friendly nations aimed at negotiating a proposed fissile material cut-off treaty, which would prohibit the further production of fissile materials for nuclear weapons, in conjunction with the UNGA.
He plans to highlight his continued commitment to nuclear disarmament by attending the general debate starting Sept 24.
In a potential meeting with Biden, who recently announced his withdrawal from November’s US presidential race, Kishida intends to reaffirm the strong alliance between Japan and the US irrespective of leadership changes. – Bernama
