Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to Visit France, Brazil, and Paraguay in May 2024

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan will embark on a six-day tour to France, Brazil, and Paraguay from May 1to 6 The trip will mark Kishida's first visits to South American countries since taking office.

In Paris, Kishida plans to deliver a keynote speech at the Ministerial Council Meeting of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The speech will reflect his intention to lead discussions on resolving socio-economic challenges for the international community. Kishida will also attend the OECD's event about generative artificial intelligence, where he will propose establishing a new international framework on generative AI issues. Additionally, he is scheduled to hold discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron and deliver speeches at OECD events on cooperation with Southeast Asia.

Following his visit to France, Kishida will travel to Brazil, the current chair of the G20. In Brasilia, he will meet with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and hold a joint news conference. Kishida is also scheduled to deliver a speech on Japan's policy toward Central and South America, marking the first time in a decade that a Japanese prime minister has done so in the region. During his stay in Brazil, Kishida plans to meet with people of Japanese descent.

The final leg of Kishida's tour will take him to Paraguay, where he will meet with President Santiago Pena in Asuncion. Paraguay is the only South American nation that maintains diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

Why this matters: Kishida's visit to France, Brazil, and Paraguay highlights Japan's efforts to strengthen ties with the Latin American region and lead discussions on global economic and social challenges. The trip also emphasizes Japan's intention to play a proactive role in shaping international frameworks, particularly in the realm of emerging technologies like generative AI.

The Japanese government sees this tour as an opportunity to reinforce Japan's relationships with key partners in Europe and South America, while also maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order based on the rule of law. Kishida's speeches at the OECD and in Brazil are expected to outline Japan's vision for addressing pressing global issues and promoting international cooperation.

Key Takeaways

• PM Kishida to visit France, Brazil, Paraguay from May 1-6, 2024.
• In Paris, Kishida to propose new international framework on generative AI.
• In Brazil, Kishida to meet Pres. Lula, deliver speech on Japan's policy in the region.
• In Paraguay, Kishida to meet Pres. Pena, the only South American nation with ties to Taiwan.
• Kishida's tour aims to strengthen Japan's ties with Europe, South America, and promote global cooperation.