As host of this year's Group of 20 leaders' summit, a key official said Monday that Japan's most important task will be to chair a gathering that concludes with a strong message promoting stable worldwide economic growth.
The June 28-29 conference is expected to be held amid escalating trade frictions between the United States and China, the following United Kingdom's exit from the European Union at the end of March.
"The effects of both are starting to be felt in the real economy," said Koji Tomita, a senior Foreign Ministry official who serves as sherpa for the high-profile event, which is expected to bring to Osaka 37 presidents, prime ministers and heads of international organizations.