As world leaders prepare to arrive in Hiroshima, Japan, for the 2023 Group of Seven (G7) advanced economies summit billed for May 19 to 21, the Japanese Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida has warned that the G7 firmly rejects any unilateral attempt to change governments by force through the threat or use of nuclear weapons.
Kishida, the current G7 Chairman condemned Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, affirming that the group will continue to uphold the international order based on the rule of law.
The G7 comprises of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
In a statement ahead of the summit, Kishida said: “Having experienced the COVID-19 pandemic and being faced with Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, which shook the very foundation of the international order, the international community is now at a historic turning point.
“The G7 firmly rejects any unilateral attempt to change the status quo by force or the threat or use of nuclear weapons and upholds the international order based on the rule of law. I will lead the discussion as Chair and demonstrate the G7’s strong determination to the world with historical significance.”
As Japan assumes the G7 Presidency, throughout 2023, more than 10 Ministerial Meetings will take place in the country, from Sapporo in the north to Miyazaki in the south, and these meetings will be attended by many government officials, the media, and others from around the world.
Elated about Japan hosting the 2023 G7 summit, Kishida said: “From May 19 to 21, the G7 Summit will be held in Hiroshima, my hometown. Hiroshima is a beautiful city surrounded by the lush green Chugoku Mountains, facing the calm Seto Inland Sea. I truly look forward to welcoming the G7 Leaders to Hiroshima. At the same time, as the world’s attention turns to Japan this year, it will be a great opportunity to show the world the charms of our country, from beautiful landscapes, traditional culture, and local foods to cutting-edge technology.”
As Chair of the summit, the Japanese Prime Minister expressed commitment to facilitate candid discussions, articulate ideas and plans for the future among the G7 leaders on “mounting challenges facing the international community such as the global economy including energy and food security, regional affairs including Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific, nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, economic security, and global issues including climate change, global health, and development.”