Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has said that Japan will "actively" cooperate with the World Health Organization's efforts to investigate the origins of the novel coronavirus, adding that the probe should be conducted in a "transparent" manner as its findings will be key to combating infectious diseases in the future.
"We need to prepare for a future crisis by learning from this experience," Suga said in a speech during a virtual event hosted by the World Economic Forum on Friday. "From that perspective, Japan considers it is important that the WHO, which holds the key in response to infectious diseases, steadily carries out scientific investigation and verification in a transparent manner."
On the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, Suga reiterated Japan's commitment to hosting the games this summer, saying he is in agreement with International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach to stage them "at any cost."