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Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is finalizing plans to visit the United States in late September, where he is expected to attend the United Nations General Assembly and possibly meet with U.S. President Joe Biden. This trip will mark one of Kishida’s last major international engagements before stepping down from office.
The visit, which is expected to span several days starting around September 22, comes at a critical moment for both Japan and the United States. Kishida’s planned attendance at the U.N. General Assembly in New York highlights Japan’s commitment to maintaining its role in global diplomacy even as it transitions to new leadership. The Japanese Foreign Ministry has yet to officially confirm the details of the visit, but multiple reports suggest that discussions with Biden are likely to be a key component of Kishida’s agenda.
With the LDP election expected as early as September 20, Kishida will hand over leadership to his successor, who will be selected by the party’s parliamentary majority. Depending on the timing of the transition, Kishida may address the U.N. General Assembly as a former prime minister.
The upcoming U.S. visit also takes place against the backdrop of significant political shifts in Washington. President Joe Biden, who recently announced his decision not to seek reelection in the upcoming 2024 presidential race, has passed the Democratic nomination to Vice President Kamala Harris.
Harris now faces former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, in what is shaping up to be a highly contentious election.
As Japan prepares for new leadership, questions have arisen about how Kishida’s successor will approach the nation’s key alliances, particularly its relationship with the U.S. Some within the Japanese government are advocating for a more cautious approach to deepening ties with Washington, reflecting concerns about maintaining balance in Japan’s foreign policy amid evolving global dynamics.
Kishida’s planned meeting with Biden is likely to address these and other pressing international issues, cementing a legacy of close U.S.-Japan relations that has been a hallmark of his tenure.