April 2021

G7 Leaders’ Video Conference

On February 19, 2021, Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide attended the G7 leaders’ video conference. This meeting was called for and hosted by the United Kingdom, this year’s G7 Presidency.

This was Prime Minister Suga’s first appearance at the G7 virtual Summit. Prime Minister Suga exchanged views with other G7 leaders on issues such as equitable distribution of vaccines against the COVID-19 and international cooperation for future pandemics preparedness. The G7 leaders confirmed their close collaboration in shaping a post-COVID-19 international order.

Prime Minister Suga explained to other leaders that he is taking all best possible measures based on what Japan has learned from the experience in fighting with COVID-19, with his strong determination to protect lives and livelihoods of people. He pointed out that this has led to be a clear progress. The Prime Minister stated that vaccines play a critical role in containing the spread of infection, and that it is important to ensure a fair access to vaccines and accelerate their distribution. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance Japan attaches to the COVAX facility as well as Japan’s commitment for a new financial contribution of two hundred million US dollars to its mechanism of supporting developing countries.

Prime Minister Suga explained Japan’s basic stance towards China, which is to assert its position and to demand the Chinese side to take concrete actions. The Prime Minister also expressed Japan’s concerns on attempts to unilaterally change the status quo in the East and South China Sea.

Prime Minister Suga stated Japan’s determination to host the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer as a symbol of overcoming the COVID-19. He also stated that Japan would proceed with preparation in close coordination with the IOC to host the Games in safe and secure manner. All the G7 leaders supported Japan’s determination and their support was expressed in the Leaders’ Statement.