Tokyo, Sept. 21 (Jiji Press)–Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi left Tokyo’s Haneda Airport aboard a government plane late Monday for New York to attend a U.N. General Assembly session. In her first address to the General Assembly’s general debate, Takaichi plans to explain that Japan is drawing up an economic and energy cooperation plan for Gulf countries in light of the situation in the Middle East, and express her country’s commitment to contributing to the stability of global energy supplies. Takaichi is also set to hold talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, hoping to align their views on China ahead of a U.S.-China summit. Speaking to reporters at the prime minister’s official residence in Tokyo before her departure, Takaichi said she wants to use her U.N. speech to “express Japan’s determination to exercise leadership” in strengthening supply chains, including those for energy, and responding to technological innovation such as artificial intelligence. The cooperation plan for Gulf countries was conveyed to Saudi Arabia and Oman when Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi visited the two countries in the latter half of August. This year marks the 70th anniversary of Japan’s admission to the United Nations. Takaichi is expected to reaffirm Japan’s continued support for U.N.-centered multilateralism in her address on Tuesday local time. She will explain Japan’s positions on the situations in Asia, the Middle East and Ukraine and express her determination to work on such issues as U.N. Security Council reform, disarmament and nonproliferation, and measures to combat global warming. The Japan-U.S. summit is scheduled for Tuesday local time. Ahead of the U.S.-China summit on Thursday, Takaichi intends to urge Trump not to strike a deal with China over Japan’s head. Possible topics at the Takaichi-Trump meeting include U.S. sanctions on International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane and Japan’s fiscal and monetary policies. Takaichi will also hold talks with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and others before returning to Japan on Thursday. Her departure from Haneda had initially been scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday Japan time, but was pushed back to 11 p.m. due to the impact of Typhoon Dujuan. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
