Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is set to embark on his final trip to the United States before stepping down from office, according to a report by NHK.
Kishida is expected to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his four-day tour.
NHK reports that the Japanese leader plans to “reaffirm Japan’s intention to maintain support for Ukraine and sanctions against Russia.” This meeting comes as Zelenskyy prepares to attend the 79th UN General Assembly in New York, where he will present a “five-point victory plan” to American leadership.
Kishida’s itinerary includes a face-to-face meeting with US President Joe Biden at the American leader’s private residence in Delaware. The trip also features a summit of the so-called “Quad” group, comprising Japan, the United States, Australia, and India.
“Countries are expected to agree on strengthening cooperation in maritime security in light of China’s growing threat,” NHK states.
The Japanese Prime Minister is scheduled to participate in the Future Summit, which is held as part of the UN General Assembly in New York. There, he plans to call for UN reform, emphasize the importance of a rules-based international order, and promote efforts to eliminate nuclear weapons.
Ukraine’s Presidential Office has not yet announced the meeting with Kishida.
Japan has been a significant supporter of Ukraine since the onset of the war. Since the Russian full-scale invasion in 2022, Japan has committed over $12 billion in humanitarian, economic, and other assistance to Ukraine.
Under a security agreement signed in June, Tokyo pledged to provide Ukraine with an additional $4.5 billion in 2024 and continue supporting the country throughout the next ten years.
Kishida announced last month that he would not seek re-election as prime minister. Meanwhile, Zelensky’s US visit is expected to include meetings with both American presidential candidates, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.
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