Takaichi to Attend ASEAN Summit on 25-27... Makes Diplomatic Debut

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will make her diplomatic debut by attending the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Summit.

Minoru Kihara, Chief Cabinet Secretary and spokesperson for the Japanese government, stated at a press conference on the afternoon of the 24th, "Prime Minister Takaichi will visit Malaysia from the 25th to the 27th to attend the ASEAN Summit," adding, "She is also scheduled to hold meetings with leaders from various countries."

Prime Minister Takaichi is also expected to participate in the Japan-ASEAN Summit, as well as the 'Asia Zero Emission Community' (AZEC) Summit, which was established by Japan and ASEAN member states to promote decarbonization. Secretary Kihara emphasized, "ASEAN, which is also the center of global growth, is a key region for achieving a free and open Indo-Pacific," and added, "Prime Minister Takaichi will use this as an opportunity to further strengthen cooperation with ASEAN, a trusted partner of Japan."

This ASEAN Summit marks Prime Minister Takaichi's first appearance on the diplomatic stage since taking office on the 21st. After the ASEAN Summit, she is also scheduled to hold a summit meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on the 28th.

Prime Minister Takaichi is expected to visit Korea for three days from the 30th to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, which opens in Gyeongju on the 31st. Among the Takaichi Cabinet officials, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Ryosei Akazawa, who was in charge of tariff negotiations with the United States, are also expected to visit Korea.