Japanese Prime Minister Kishida’s last overseas visit during his tenure, plans to hold talks with Zelensky

As Prime Minister Fumio Kishida prepares to conclude his tenure, he took off this morning on a Japanese government aircraft for the United States to participate in activities surrounding the upcoming Quad Summit. During this trip, he is also planning to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

According to NHK, this journey marks Kishida’s final overseas visit before leaving office. He intends to address regional issues and discuss enhancing the functions of the United Nations, including reforms to the Security Council, during his anticipated discussions with Zelenskyy, who will also be at the UN General Assembly.

The Yomiuri Shimbun highlighted that Kishida’s agenda includes taking part in the Japan-U.S.-Australia-India Quad Summit. He departed from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport this morning and will engage in related activities at the UN General Assembly.

Prior to his departure from the Prime Minister’s residence, Kishida expressed his commitment, stating, “I intend to share Japan’s views on moving toward a peaceful, free, and prosperous future for the world.”

While in the United States, Kishida is set to visit President Joe Biden’s hometown in Delaware, where he will participate in a Japan-U.S. leaders’ meeting and the Quad Summit. Following that, he plans to travel to New York for events related to the “Future Summit” scheduled for September 22.

In related developments, with Kishida’s announcement of stepping down as the president of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), a record nine candidates have emerged for the upcoming leadership election, which is expected to culminate in a vote on September 27. Given the LDP’s current majority in both chambers of the National Diet, the new party president is likely to be nominated as the next Prime Minister.