Prime Minister Kishida left for the first destination, France, to visit five European and American member countries of the G7 = seven major countries.

Prior to this, Prime Minister Kishida expressed his desire to hold candid discussions with each country and confirm cooperation.

Prime Minister Kishida will visit France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States from the 9th to the 15th, ahead of the Hiroshima Summit in May this year as the chair of the G7. I am planning to meet with



Shortly after midnight on the 9th, Prime Minister Kishida left Haneda Airport on a government plane for his first visit to France.



Prior to his departure, Prime Minister Kishida told reporters at the Prime Minister's official residence, "I would like to have frank discussions with the G7 countries to deepen our relationship of trust. After having a common understanding of the situation, I would like to present my thoughts as the G7 presidency and confirm cooperation."



In addition, regarding the Japan-U.S. summit meeting, he said, "This is a Japan-U.S. summit meeting that will be held shortly after the revision of three security-related documents and the clarification of specific measures to strengthen defense capabilities that will serve as the basis for this. I believe it will be a valuable opportunity to strengthen the alliance and confirm close cooperation."



Prime Minister Kishida is scheduled to arrive in France, his first destination, on the evening of the 9th Japan time.

French presidential office issues welcome statement

Regarding Prime Minister Kishida's visit to France and holding a summit meeting with President Macron, the French presidential office released a statement, welcoming it, saying, "France will be the first European destination for Japan, the chair of the G7." increase.



He added, "This meeting will be an opportunity for President Macron to express his full support for Japan, the chair country of the G7, and his wish for its success. It will also provide support for Ukraine and Russia's invasion of the world. We confirm G7 action on issues such as impacts, food security and climate change."



In addition, in addition to confirming cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, where China is increasing its influence, the two sides plan to discuss further cooperation between Japan and France in fields such as energy, defense, and advanced technology.



According to the French Presidential Office, Prime Minister Kishida and President Macron will also visit Notre Dame Cathedral, which was severely damaged by the fire in 2019 and is undergoing restoration work toward its reopening in 2024.

Expert: "Japan, France and England share a common vision"

An expert on Prime Minister Kishida's visits to France and the United Kingdom said, "Both countries share a common vision with Japan in both Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific region." It shows the recognition that cooperation with Japan, which serves as a country, can be further deepened.



In an interview with NHK, Valérie Niquet, senior researcher at the French Foundation for Strategic Studies, who is familiar with the situation in Asia, including Japan and China, said in an interview with NHK about Japan's support for Ukraine, "Japan followed the sanctions against Russia, accepted refugees from Ukraine, and paid a large amount of money. The fact that Japan has a special relationship with Russia and supports the actions of the G7 countries against Russia is being received positively in Europe, including Ukraine."



In addition, France and Britain, among Europe, which is greatly shaken by the situation in Ukraine, say that they share concerns with Japan about China's increasing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.



"For France and the UK, Japan is an absolutely indispensable partner for the stability of the Indo-Pacific region," he said, adding that Japan and the two countries can cooperate on issues such as piracy and smuggling in addition to security.



On the other hand, regarding Prime Minister Kishida's desire to deliver a strong message at the G7 Hiroshima Summit in May toward the realization of a world free of nuclear weapons, he said, In the midst of threats that hint at the use of nuclear forces, doubts may arise from France and others, which emphasize nuclear deterrence," he said, acknowledging that adjustments will be required for the summit in the future.