Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga arrived in Britain late Thursday to attend a summit of the Group of Seven industrialized nations, with discussions set to focus on tackling global challenges such as economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, climate change, and China's growing economic and military influence.
"I look forward to holding frank discussions with leaders of the G7, which shares universal values," Suga told reporters at his office before heading to Haneda airport in Tokyo, adding he will seek support for staging a "safe and secure" Summer Olympics in the capital next month.
The first in-person summit among the countries in nearly two years is being held June 11 to 13 in the seaside resort of Carbis Bay, Cornwall. Suga is expected to hold bilateral talks with other leaders including U.S. President Joe Biden on the sidelines.