G7 reaffirms nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation during a historic turning point

OTTAWA—The G7 Hiroshima Summit successfully concluded just yesterday. “It was a fulfilling three days. The G7 Hiroshima Summit was held amidst a historic turning point. Russia's aggression against Ukraine threatens the international order based on the rule of law. I was honoured to take the lead to address the complex crises facing the international community at the Summit” said Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The G7 leaders had intensive discussions on the challenges the international community faces today. The G7 showed solidarity to never accept the neglect of the rule of law or any unilateral attempt to change the status quo by force. They also agreed to further strengthen ties with the Global South. For this purpose, Prime Minister Kishida invited countries including India, Brazil, Comoros, and the Cook Islands, as well as international organizations such as the UN and the World Bank. Further, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s participation in the Ukrainian session with the G7 leaders is a historic achievement. The Hiroshima communiqués stipulate all the matters significant to this summit; regional issues like the Russian invasion against Ukraine, China and North Korea, economic security and energy security, as well as global issues such as climate change and global health. “G7 Leaders’ Hiroshima Vision on Nuclear Disarmament” was also issued to reaffirm G7 leaders’ unshakable commitment to the disarmament and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. Actually, I myself grew up in the countryside of Nagasaki and I visited the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum many times. I vividly remember how shocking the tragic reality of nuclear weapons were. Once nuclear weapons are used, it takes decades to recover. The atomic bomb survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki still suffer from the aftereffects of the bombings, even 77 years after they occurred. Russia has propagated irresponsible nuclear rhetoric throughout their war on Ukraine and this must be condemned. Nuclear weapons must never be used. NEVER again! This is an essential lesson from World War II, and the greatest message of this year’s Summit. G7 leaders also shared the vision of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).” Prime Minister Kishida announced that Japan will enhance its work towards the realization of FOIP with the goal of leading the international community in the direction of cooperation rather than division and confrontation. In the area of infrastructure, where needs are particularly significant, Japan will mobilize more than US$75-billion in public and private funds through private investment and yen loans to the Indo-Pacific region by 2030. Besides the Summit, Prime Minister Kishida met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and had fruitful discussions on Canada-Japan bilateral relations as well as G7 related issues. Prime Minister Trudeau is the longest-serving leader among G7 countries with his first G7 meeting being the Ise-Shima Summit seven years ago. Trudeau’s experiences in past years as a G7 leader is highly appreciated. Then, this year is the 95th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Canada. Even before the Westminster Charter of 1931, which made Canada a complete sovereign nation, Japan had opened its embassy in Ottawa. Since then, our two countries have developed our relationship with shared fundamental values such as freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Last October our two countries issued “Action Plans for contributing to a free and open Indo-Pacific” in six priority areas to promote peace and prosperity in the region, and announced the launch of official negotiations for the conclusion of the “General Security of Information Agreement.” In November 2022, Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy was announced to show its commitments to the region, and Japan sincerely welcomed it. Prime Minister Kishida's visit to Ottawa in January this year was the perfect start for a new chapter of our bilateral relations. Given the complicated geopolitical realities of the 21st century and the commitment of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, there is massive potential in Canada for areas such as critical minerals, food, energy and high-tech. It is clear to me that now is the moment of golden opportunity for Canadian and Japanese companies to fulfill their further visions. Both governments should also work together even harder to further strengthen our bilateral cooperation as well as help countries in need following the Hiroshima Summit. As the ambassador of Japan to Canada and with Japan holding the G7 presidency, I would love to share the essence of the G7 discussions with Canadian friends. As part of that, I will hold a seminar titled “G7 Hiroshima Summit and Beyond: geostrategic imperatives for Canada and its allies amidst uncertain tides” on May 26, inviting Canadian government officials, parliamentarians, diplomatic corps, business professionals and so forth. I am determined to work together with Canadian friends to address the challenges of the 21st century. Kanji Yamanouchi is Japan’s ambassador to Canada. The Hill Times

G7 reaffirms nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation during a historic turning point

Russia has propagated irresponsible nuclear rhetoric throughout their war on Ukraine and this must be condemned, writes Japan's ambassador to Canada.

EV investments paving the way for Canada and Japan’s ‘new chapter’: ambassador

‘A straight-shooter and a gentleman’: former trade minister Jim Peterson has died

U.S. election preoccupies Canada’s top 50 foreign influencers as feds’ focus gets pulled from Asia strategy

EV investments paving the way for Canada and Japan’s ‘new chapter’: ambassador

Time for a shift: Canada must treat Alzheimer’s like other progressive diseases

Canada’s energy future needs women at the table

Trump’s climate ignorance won’t derail global efforts

Will Susan Holt’s new government continue New Brunswick’s nuclear fantasies?

Bill C-20 is a missed opportunity for real accountability

Saving the political furniture

Continued cost of inaction on breast screening guidelines is too high

The China panic: is Canada risking war in the Pacific?

Japan grateful for Canada’s support in aftermath of earthquake: ambassador

An open letter to the prime minister: Canada needs to recalibrate how we engage with other nations this year

Advancing Canada-Japan co-operation for a free and open Indo-Pacific

Implementing Canada’s Indo-Pacific economic strategy

News

Get free news updates

Opinion

Submit a guest opinion article

resources

Advertise

subscribe

get help

G7 reaffirms nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation during a historic turning point

Russia has propagated irresponsible nuclear rhetoric throughout their war on Ukraine and this must be condemned, writes Japan's ambassador to Canada.

Get The Foreign Policy Newsletter