H.E. Mr. Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister of Japan

I would like to offer a few words on the occasion of the publication of the Hiroshima Report 2024, which focuses on the outcomes of the G7 Hiroshima Summit and plays an important role in deepening our understanding of the efforts and actions of Japan and other countries around the world regarding certain issues, including nuclear disarmament. I would like to express my respect to Hiroshima Prefecture and all those who have contributed to the preparation of this report.

The G7 Hiroshima Summit, held at a time when the international community is at a historic turning point, focused on two main perspectives toward realizing cooperation among the international community, rather than division and confrontation: upholding a free and open international order based on the rule of law; and strengthening engagement with our international partners, including the so-called Global South. The G7 meeting’s reaffirmation of a wide-ranging commitment, involving not only G7 members but also invited countries and institutions, to collaboratively address international challenges was a significant achievement. Equally, it was noteworthy that the leaders of the G7, the invited countries, and Ukraine discussed global peace and stability in shared recognition of the importance of the rule of law and the principles of the UN Charter.
This G7 Summit, held for the first time in Hiroshima, a city once devastated by atomic bombing and a global symbol of peace, was also of historic significance in reaffirming the commitment of the G7 leaders to realize a world without nuclear weapons. The G7 leaders visited Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, experienced the reality of the atomic bombing, and offered flowers to the Cenotaph in Peace Memorial Park. We held open discussions on their commitments towards a world without nuclear weapons. Based on these activities, we issued the “G7 Leaders’ Hiroshima Vision,” which is the first independently initiated G7 document focusing on nuclear disarmament. I believe that the G7 Hiroshima Summit has contributed to building momentum in the international community toward a world without nuclear weapons.

I will endeavor to maintain and bolster realistic and practical efforts through implementing, step by step, the initiatives under the “Hiroshima Action Plan” which I proposed at the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference in 2022, while using the “G7 Hiroshima Vision” as a significant stepping stone.
Specifically, for example, we will build on our efforts for the early entry into force of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and the immediate commencement of negotiations for a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT). In September 2023, Japan hosted the Commemorative High-Level Event on a FMCT in New York, and with participation at many political levels, I believe that we succeeded in rekindling will and interest for the immediate commencement of FMCT negotiations.

The efforts of Hiroshima Prefecture, including this Hiroshima Report and the strong desire for peace contained therein, are the driving force and impetus toward the realization of a world without nuclear weapons. As Prime Minister of Japan, the only country to have experienced atomic bombings during war, I will continue to work tirelessly towards a world without nuclear weapons, together with the people of Hiroshima Prefecture.