The 21st G7 Speakers' Meeting
From Thursday 7 to Sunday 10 September, the 21st G7 Speakers' Meeting was held in Japan.
The sessions took place on Friday, 8 September. Mr. KAIEDA Banri, Vice-Speaker of the House of Representatives, who attended the meeting on behalf of Mr. HOSODA Hiroyuki, Speaker of the House, first delivered opening remarks, in which he welcomed guest participant Dr. Ruslan Stefanchuk, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, and expressed his hope for exchanging views with the presiding officers on the roles parliaments could play in addressing international issues.
The agenda for the first session was "Russia's aggression against Ukraine and the international order," at which Dr. Stefanchuk and Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons of the United Kingdom, delivered keynote addresses, followed by the presiding officers exchanging views.
In line with Speaker Hosoda's planned comments, Mr. Kaieda once again strongly condemned Russia's aggression against Ukraine, stating that Russia must not use nuclear weapons as threats, let alone use them. He stressed that any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo through force will not be tolerated, not only in Europe but anywhere in the world. He then introduced the details of the support Japan has provided to Ukraine, adding that Japan intends to continue with its support for Ukraine's rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts. Referring to the threat from disinformation related to the Russian invasion, he commented that sincere debate in parliaments and communication with the public have become even more important.
In the second session, "Energy security and international cooperation," keynote addresses were delivered by the Honorable Kevin McCarthy, Speaker of the House of Representatives of the United States of America, and Ms. Yaël Braun-Pivet, President of the National Assembly of the French Republic, followed by the presiding officers exchanging views.
In line with Speaker Hosoda's planned comments, Mr. Kaieda remarked that Russia's invasion of Ukraine disrupted global energy markets, necessitating countries to minimize their dependence on Russia while also securing a stable supply of energy. At the same time, the G7 states bear responsibilities to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions no later than 2050. He then introduced Japan's efforts to carry out its Green Transformation plan, including making renewable energy a main source of electricity and using nuclear power. He added that international cooperation is essential to achieve the common goal of net zero emissions, with each country using all available technologies and energy sources in ways not to hinder their economic growth, depending on their conditions.
The meeting was concluded with the adoption of the declaration to be issued.
(Declaration(PDF:185KB))
Other programs of the meeting included an audience with His Majesty the Emperor on Friday, 8 September, and a visit to Kyoto on the following day, providing them with an opportunity to personally experience Japanese tradition and culture.
During the meeting, Speaker Hosoda and Vice-Speaker Kaieda had a bilateral meeting with Chairman Stefanchuk of Ukraine.
Program
Thursday, 7 September
Delegations arrived in Japan
Bilateral meeting between Japan and Ukraine
Welcome reception
Friday, 8 September
G7 Speakers' Meeting
First session: Russia's aggression against Ukraine and the international order
Audience with His Majesty the Emperor
G7 Speakers' Meeting
Second session: Energy security and international cooperation
Dinner
Saturday, 9 September
Tour of Kyoto
- Kinkakuji temple
- Urasenke tea ceremony
- Raku Museum
Dinner
Sunday, 10 September
Delegations departed from Japan
Participants
| Japan | Mr. Hiroyuki Hosoda, Speaker of the House of Representatives |
| Mr. Banri Kaieda, Vice-Speaker of the House of Representatives | |
| Canada | The Honourable Anthony Rota, M.P., Speaker of the House of Commons |
| France | H.E. Ms. Yaël Braun-Pivet, President of the National Assembly |
| Germany | H.E. Ms. Bärbel Bas, President of the German Bundestag |
| Italy | Hon. Lorenzo Fontana, President of the Chamber of Deputies |
| UK | Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, Speaker of the House of Commons |
| USA | The Honorable Kevin McCarthy, Speaker of the House of Representatives |
| EP | H.E. Ms. Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament |
| Ukraine | H.E. Dr. Ruslan Stefanchuk, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada |