TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio left for Dubai in the United Arab Emirates on a government plane Thursday to attend the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, or COP28.
   
At COP 28, Kishida is expected to highlight Japan’s achievements in supporting climate change measures in emerging and developing countries in various ways in accordance with the energy situation of each country.

On the sidelines of COP 28, the prime minister will hold talks with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Friday to discuss the situation in the Gaza Strip and call for an end to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in the enclave.

“I want to show our determination to lead the world toward the common goal of achieving net zero (greenhouse gas emissions) by mobilizing all of Japan’s technology and financial capabilities,” Kishida told reporters at the prime minister’s office ahead of his departure.

Kishida also said that he will meet with the leaders of Egypt, Jordan and Qatar. “I want to confirm our solidarity to calm the (Palestinian) situation as soon as possible and improve the humanitarian situation,” he said.

The prime minister is expected to underline efforts by the Asia Zero Emission Community aimed at promoting decarbonization in Asian countries by using Japanese technology and underscore the significance of achieving greenhouse gas emissions reduction, economic growth and energy security at the same time.

He is also slated to hold talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, whose country will host next year’s summit of the Group of Seven major powers.

Kishida is scheduled to arrive in Dubai on Thursday afternoon local time and return home Sunday.

JIJI Press