Japan's Prime Minister Embarks on State Visits to France, Brazil, and Paraguay

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan has departed for a six-day overseas trip, with stops in France, Brazil, and Paraguay. The key objectives of his trip are to promote a rules-based international economic order and discuss generative AI at an OECD meeting in Paris.

In France, Kishida is scheduled to address the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) on issues including climate change and international rules for generative artificial intelligence. "Japan will lead efforts to build and strengthen a free and fair international economic order based on the rule of law," Kishida stated before his departure. This year marks the 60th anniversary of Japan's OECD membership, and Tokyo currently chairs the organization's Ministerial Council Meeting.

Kishida will also hold talks with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss a new security agreement, known as a reciprocal access agreement. This agreement would facilitate joint exercises and disaster relief operations between the two countries. Japan has been strengthening its security relations with like-minded countries in the Indo-Pacific region, apparently to enhance deterrence against China's growing military assertiveness.

Why this matters: Kishida's trip highlights Japan's efforts to deepen ties with strategic partners and shape global discussions on emerging technologies. As Japan seeks to counter China's influence, these visits emphasize the importance of international cooperation in maintaining a rules-based order.

The visits to Brazil and Paraguay are part of Japan's efforts to deepen relations with emerging and developing countries, known as the Global South. In Brazil, Kishida is expected to meet with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to discuss ensuring the rules-based global order, tackling climate change, and boosting bilateral trade and investment. Lula expressed a willingness to strengthen economic ties with Japan, particularly in the areas of energy and the environment. As Brazil is home to a large Japanese-descent population, Kishida is likely to hold talks with members of the community in Brasilia and Sao Paulo.

In Paraguay, Kishida will meet with President Santiago Pena to discuss economic cooperation and other bilateral issues. The Prime Minister is accompanied by a delegation of around 40 Japanese business leaders, aimed at reaffirming Japan's interests in the region and exploring investment opportunities.

Kishida's six-day tour demonstrates Japan's proactive diplomacy in engaging with key partners across Europe and Latin America. Through these high-level meetings, Japan aims to strengthen its global presence, promote shared values, and address pressing international challenges. As Kishida stated, "Japan will lead the creation and strengthening of a free, fair, and rules-based international economic order." The Prime Minister is scheduled to return to Japan on Monday.

Key Takeaways

• PM Kishida visits France, Brazil, Paraguay to promote rules-based global order
• Discusses climate change, generative AI at OECD meeting in Paris
• Seeks new security agreement with France, deepens ties with Global South
• Aims to strengthen Japan's global presence, address international challenges
• Kishida leads Japan's efforts to shape global discussions on emerging tech