Politics

Japan confirms Zelenskyy’s in-person participation in G7

Hiroshima, Japan, May 20 (EFE).- Japan confirmed Saturday that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will take part in person in the Group of Seven (G7) leaders’ summit underway in Hiroshima, in western Japan.

“President Zelensky expressed his strong desire to participate face-to-face at this summit. It was decided to hold a session on Ukraine with the G7 leaders, with President Zelensky participating face-to-face. In addition, President Zelensky will participate as a guest in a session on peace and stability between G7 leaders and leaders of invited countries,” Japan’s foreign ministry said in a statement.

Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will also hold a bilateral meeting with the Ukrainian leader, the ministry added.

According to diplomatic sources, the Ukrainian leader will travel to Japan aboard a French government plane from Jeddah airport in Saudi Arabia, where he took part in an Arab League summit.

Zelenskyy is expected to arrive at Hiroshima Airport at noon on Saturday and participate in the day’s sessions.

He will also meet US President Joe Biden, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said Friday, without revealing more details.

“Regarding the situation in Ukraine, which is one of the main agenda items of the G7 Hiroshima Summit, from the perspective of reflecting the voice of Ukraine, Prime Minister Kishida visited Ukraine in March and had a meeting with President Zelensky of Ukraine,” the Japanese ministry said.

Zelenskyy is expected to participate in discussions with G7 leaders on military support for Ukraine and possible peace negotiations, according to an official from the European Union (EU), which is also being represented at the Hiroshima summit.

According to the EU, one of the most important aspects of the Ukrainian leader’s participation in the summit will be his direct access to dialogue with leaders of other invited countries, and in particular with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the official added.

Japan’s confirmation of Zelenskyy’s visit follows a day of contradictory information regarding his participation since it had initially been announced that he would participate virtually.

Zelenskyy’s visit also comes after his recent trips to other G7 members, including France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom, to meet their respective leaders.

Hiroshima, the first city to be bombed with a nuclear weapon on Aug. 6, 1945, is the venue for the 49th meeting of the G7, whose leaders seek to send a strong message for peace and against nuclear weapons in the context of the Ukraine war. EFE

emg-ahg/pd

Related Articles

Back to top button