Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Expresses Intention to Attend COP26...Will He Meet President Moon?

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has expressed his intention to personally attend the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), which will be held in Glasgow, United Kingdom, starting on the 31st of this month.

According to Kyodo News, on the 26th, Prime Minister Kishida stated at the Prime Minister's Official Residence regarding the COP26 summit, "I also want to (personally) attend and contribute to the discussions."

Regarding climate change issues, Prime Minister Kishida said, "It is an urgent and serious challenge," and added, "The Kishida Cabinet also wants to respond firmly."

He referred to the 2050 net zero greenhouse gas emissions target proposed by his predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, emphasizing, "We will link measures against global warming with economic development and a prosperous life."

If Prime Minister Kishida's attendance at the COP26 summit is realized, it will be his first overseas trip since taking office.

Prime Minister Kishida is also expected to pursue individual summit meetings on the occasion of attending COP26.

President Moon Jae-in, who is planning a European tour from the end of this month to early next month and will also attend the COP26 summit, draws attention to whether this meeting will provide an opportunity for dialogue between the leaders of Japan and South Korea.

On the 15th, during his inauguration greetings, President Moon had his first phone call with Prime Minister Kishida, expressing hope for frequent communication and mentioning his expectation to meet in person.

In response, Prime Minister Kishida, when meeting with reporters after the call, said, "I think communication between Japan and Korea must continue properly," but drew a line by stating, "No face-to-face summit meeting has been decided at this stage."