Takaichi arrives in New York to attend U.N. General Assembly

New York – Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi arrived in New York late Monday night, where she is slated to attend a U.N. General Assembly session.

A Japanese government jet carrying Takaichi landed at John F. Kennedy International Airport, after departing from Haneda Airport on Monday night in Tokyo.

In her first address to the U.N. General Assembly’s general debate, Takaichi plans to explain that Japan is drawing up an economic and energy cooperation plan for Gulf countries in light of the situation in the Middle East, and express her country’s commitment to contributing to the stability of global energy supplies.

Takaichi is also set to hold talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, hoping to align their views on China ahead of a U.S.-China summit to be held in the United States on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters at the prime minister’s official residence in Tokyo before her departure, Takaichi said she wants to use her U.N. speech to “express Japan’s determination to exercise leadership” in strengthening supply chains, including those for energy, and responding to technological innovation such as artificial intelligence.

The cooperation plan for Gulf countries was conveyed to Saudi Arabia and Oman when Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi visited the two countries in the latter half of August.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of Japan’s admission to the United Nations. Takaichi was set to reaffirm Japan’s continued support for U.N.-centered multilateralism in her address at the General Assembly.

She will explain Japan’s positions on the situations in Asia, the Middle East and Ukraine and express her determination to work on such issues as U.N. Security Council reform, disarmament and nonproliferation, and measures to combat global warming.

During a meeting with Trump scheduled ahead of the U.S.-China summit, Takaichi intends to urge the U.S. president not to strike a deal with China over Japan’s head.

Possible topics at the Takaichi-Trump meeting include U.S. sanctions on International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane and Japan’s fiscal and monetary policies.

Takaichi will also hold talks with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and others before returning to Japan on Thursday.

Her departure from Haneda had initially been scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday Japan time, but was pushed back to 11 p.m. due to Typhoon Dujuan.