Leaders of the seven major countries (G7) visited the Atomic Bomb Museum in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park as the first itinerary of the G7 Summit held in Hiroshima, Japan on the 19th. Former US President Barack Obama has visited the Atomic Bomb Memorial in 2016, but this is the first time a G7 leader has visited the site together. President Yoon Seok-yeol and other heads of state invited will visit the Atomic Bomb Memorial on the 21st.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his wife, who chair the G7, met the G7 leaders at the Peace Memorial Park this morning. US President Joe Biden, who arrived last, stayed in the car for more than 3 minutes after arriving at the park before getting off. President Biden showed a somewhat uncomfortable expression, but he smiled when Prime Minister Kishida greeted him and invited him to take a commemorative photo.
President Biden and other G7 leaders toured the Atomic Bomb Museum privately for 40 minutes under the guidance of Prime Minister Kishida. The museum has photos and exhibits of the victims of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945.
Japanese Government Spokesman Hirokazu Matsuno, Chief Cabinet Secretary, said, “We have prepared important exhibits to view according to the main exhibition themes of the museum so that leaders can effectively learn about the reality of the atomic bombings.” Former President Obama stopped by the museum for only about 10 minutes during his visit in 2016, but this time the G7 leaders stayed for 40 minutes and interviewed the victims at the time. After visiting the museum, the G7 leaders walked to the memorial stone at the Peace Memorial Park, stood in a line, laid flowers, and paid a moment of silence.
Regarding the visit to the museum ahead of the G7 summit, Prime Minister Kishida said, “It is important to convey the truth of the exposure because it is the beginning of all efforts toward nuclear disarmament.” President Biden did not make any remarks. None of the US presidents who dropped atomic bombs during the Pacific War apologized to Japan.
White House National Security Council (NSC) Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby said, “President Biden and his wife expressed respect for the victims of the atomic bombing, and I am grateful that I was able to hear the stories of survivors directly.”
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Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.