Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has opted to cancel his address to the U.N. General Assembly later this month due to a conflicting schedule with his party's presidential election set for September 27. Initially planned to speak at the General Debate session on September 26, which precedes the Liberal Democratic Party's selection of a new leader, Kishida's decision reflects his commitment to prioritizing the internal affairs of his party.
Despite withdrawing from the General Assembly's speaking engagement, Prime Minister Kishida intends to participate in the upcoming General Assembly session upon his arrival in New York on September 22. During his time there, he is anticipated to take part in the Summit of the Future, where crucial global issues like climate change and nuclear disarmament will be deliberated. This appearance marks the conclusion of Kishida's tenure as the prime minister, culminating in his final address at the U.N. General Assembly after serving a three-year term.
Moreover, preparations are underway for a significant bilateral summit between Prime Minister Kishida and U.S. President Joe Biden. Kishida's meeting with Biden, who decided not to seek re-election and terminated his U.S. presidential campaign in July, signifies an essential diplomatic engagement amid the changing political landscape and international relations.