Prime Minister Kishida, who is visiting Europe, is visiting Belgium, his last destination. On the evening of the 13th, Japan time, they are expected to attend the regular summit meeting with the EU = European Union and issue a joint statement that includes the policy of expanding cooperation in the security field.

Prime Minister Kishida attended the NATO Summit in Lithuania and emphasized that the security of Europe and the Indo-Pacific are inseparable, bearing in mind the trends of Russia and China, and announced that Japan will newly provide Ukraine with non-lethal equipment, including unmanned aerial vehicle detection systems.

In conjunction with the meeting, we compiled a new cooperation document that includes joint efforts to address security issues, including cyber and outer space.

In addition, he held individual meetings with the leaders of various countries, and in his meeting with President Yoon Sung-yeol of the Republic of Korea, he asked for understanding of the plan to dilute the treated water accumulated at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant and release it into the sea, while President Yoon explained his position of respecting the IAEA = International Atomic Energy Agency report.

Prime Minister Kishida told reporters at the conclusion of the NATO Summit, "I was able to share the thoughts with the participating countries, and I would like to continue to work together to maintain and strengthen a free and open international order based on the rule of law."

Then, in the early morning of the 13th, Japan time, we arrived at our last destination, Belgium.

Prime Minister Kishida is expected to attend the regular summit meeting with the EU on the evening of November 13 and issue a joint statement that includes Japan's policy of expanding cooperation in the field of security, including economic security.

In addition, opinions are expected to be exchanged over the lifting of import restrictions on Japan food products that have continued since the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.

Prime Minister Kishida: "Sharing thoughts with participating countries"

Prime Minister Kishida told reporters when he departed from Lithuania that the NATO summit was important, saying, "I pointed out the importance of cooperation among like-minded countries across the region based on the recognition that the security of Europe and the Indo-Pacific are inseparable, and I was able to share my thoughts with the participating countries. I would like to continue to promote cooperation with NATO member countries and partner countries to maintain and strengthen the free and open international order based on the rule of law."

Regarding the new cooperation document compiled by Japan and NATO, he stated, "We were able to agree on a document to raise Japan-NATO cooperation to a new level in response to the challenges of a new era.

Regarding the Japan-ROK Summit Meeting, Prime Minister Abe stated, "We agreed to mutually confirm the progress of bilateral dialogue and cooperation, and to make further efforts so that the people of the two countries can feel the improvement in relations."

Prime Minister Kishida: "Support for Sweden's NATO accession"

Prime Minister Kishida held a meeting with Prime Minister Kristation of Sweden in Lithuania, where he was visiting, and conveyed his intention to support the decision to apply for membership in NATO = North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and shared the view that the two countries will further strengthen cooperation in the security field of the two countries.

The meeting began at 12:8 p.m. on the 40th, Japan time, and lasted for approximately 20 minutes.

In his speech, Prime Minister Kishida reiterated his recognition that the security of Europe and the Indo-Pacific are inseparable under the current severe international security environment, bearing in mind the trends of Russia and China.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Abe expressed his support for Sweden's decision to apply for NATO membership, and expressed his hope that it would be realized as soon as possible and that Europe's security would be further strengthened.

The two leaders shared the view that they would further strengthen bilateral security cooperation between Japan and Sweden, as well as cooperation through NATO and the EU.

The two leaders also exchanged views on the situation in North Korea and confirmed that they would continue to cooperate in addressing the nuclear and missile issues and the abductions issue, including the launch of an ICBM-class ballistic missile on June 2.

Meeting with President Zelensky postponed

Prime Minister Kishida was scheduled to hold a summit meeting with President Zelensky of Ukraine on the sidelines of the NATO = North Atlantic Treaty Organization Summit Meeting held in Lithuania, but according to government officials, the final coordination could not be made due to delays in the local schedule, and it was postponed.

Prime Minister Kishida told reporters at the airport, "Unfortunately, I was not able to meet with President Zelensky because the NATO meeting dragged on significantly.