TOKYO – Prime Minister Ishiba shigeru intends to address the United Nations General Assembly next week, marking a significant final act of his management as he prepares to step down.
The planned speech, and a potential subsequent summit with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, underscores Ishiba’s commitment to continued diplomatic engagement during the transition period and aims to provide a strong foundation for his successor. This comes amid ongoing efforts to strengthen regional ties and project Japan‘s voice on the global stage.
Ishiba announced his forthcoming resignation earlier this month, pledging to remain focused on domestic and international challenges until a new leader is installed. Sources within the government revealed his decision to speak at the UN stems from a belief that the platform offers a valuable opportunity to convey a message from Japan to the international community.
The move echoes a similar situation in the previous year, when then-Prime Minister Kishida Fumio opted not to deliver a speech to the General Assembly following his declaration of his intention to resign.
Following the UN address, Ishiba is reportedly considering a trip to South Korea the subsequent week for a bilateral summit with President Lee. This potential meeting would build upon the “shuttle diplomacy” initiative designed to foster increased interaction between the two nations’ leaders, following Lee’s visit to japan in August – his first since assuming office.
Ishiba has expressed hope that the incoming administration will leverage the diplomatic groundwork he has laid, including engagements with various world leaders and participation in key international conferences, to further advance Japan’s interests.
