The "Asia-Pacific Water Summit", in which leaders of the Asia-Pacific region discuss water issues, has opened in Kumamoto City.
Prime Minister Kishida announced the "Kumamoto Water Initiative," which will work on infrastructure development, and announced that he will provide approximately 500 billion yen to the region over the next five years.
The opening ceremony of the 4th "Asia-Pacific Water Summit" was held in the morning with the attendance of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress online.
Subsequently, a summit meeting was held, and Prime Minister Kishida gave a keynote speech.
In this, Prime Minister Kishida said, "In recent years, floods have occurred frequently all over the world, and the pandemic caused by the new corona reminded us of the importance of a sanitary environment by water. Improving the sanitary environment is extremely important for solving poverty. That's it. "
After that, he said, "We will contribute to the realization of a high-quality society in the Asia-Pacific region." The Kumamoto Water Initiative was announced, and it was announced that it would provide approximately 500 billion yen in support over the next five years.
On the other hand, regarding the situation in Ukraine, Prime Minister Kishida said, "The international community is now on the verge of ending the outrageous aggression by Russia and protecting the peace order. Let's show that we will not allow attempts to change. "
At the meeting, the "Kumamoto Declaration" was adopted, which shows the determination to solve the water problem.
The "Asia-Pacific Water Summit" will be held until the 24th.
Their Majesties attend the ceremony online
Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress also attended the ceremony online from the residence of the Imperial Palace.
His Majesty the Emperor said, "This summit will be a great achievement, and it will be a big step toward solving water problems in the Asia-Pacific region and the world, and for the well-being of people all over the world and peace of the world through water. I sincerely hope, "he said in English.
There was also a commemorative lecture on the theme of water.
After that, Their Majesties watched a video about water issues and talked with the six high school students who made the video.
His Majesty the Emperor told a high school student in Kumamoto Prefecture, "I think it is important for each person to tackle the problem of water with an awareness of the problem," and the Empress said, "Please continue to have a meaningful high school life." I was being spoken.