Prime Minister Takaichi addresses UN General Assembly

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi delivered her first general debate speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, emphasizing the need to protect a free and open international order based on the rule of law. Takaichi highlighted Japan's commitment to the ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific’ (FOIP) framework, focusing on three pillars: strengthening energy and critical material supply chains, enhancing cooperation for peace and stability, and maintaining an international order based on the rule of law.

To address energy security amid Middle East tensions, Takaichi announced that Japan is developing a comprehensive cooperation plan to support the economic and energy resilience of Gulf nations. She also addressed the challenges of artificial intelligence, proposing an international summit in Japan based on the ‘Hiroshima AI Process.’ Additionally, she called for UN Security Council reform and advocated for a nuclear-free world, expressing concern over nuclear and missile technology proliferation involving Russia and North Korea.

Prior to her UN speech, Takaichi held a 35-minute meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. The leaders discussed the importance of the Japan-U.S. alliance and exchanged views on various issues, including the International Criminal Court (ICC). Takaichi reaffirmed Japan's consistent support for the ICC as a cornerstone of the rule of law.