TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister SUGA Yoshihide called for unity among the Group of 20 member economies in a two-day teleconference of their leaders that opened Saturday night Japan time.

In the teleconference summit, chaired by Saudi Arabia, the G20 leaders are set to discuss how to resume international travel and build a framework to ensure smooth vaccine supply amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The session was attended also by US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Suga told his G20 counterparts that Japan “will make every possible effort to revive the economy and resume travel while taking measures to prevent a resurgence of infections.

The G20 “should send out a clear message” that the group of major countries will lead the fight against the coronavirus, global economic recovery and efforts to shape a new world order after the pandemic, he also said.

Suga underlined the importance of creating a patent pool so that developing countries can gain access to new coronavirus vaccines at low costs.

He also stressed his determination to realize safe and secure Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics next year as a testament to humankind’s victory over the virus, asking for cooperation.

Suga explained a plan to create a digital agency to speed up Japan’s digitalization and a wish to lead international rule-making over trading in data.

The G20 leaders are expected to adopt a joint statement to wrap up their teleconference summit Sunday.

JIJI Press