The 4th Summit of the Council of Europe

The 4th Summit of the Council of Europe was held in Reykjavik from May 16 to 17.
 
In addition to Ambassador Suzuki, Head of the Japanese delegation to the Summit, and Ambassador Hiroyuki Uchida, Permanent Observer of Japan to the Council of Europe, the Heads of State or Government of 37 out of the 46 CoE Member States, the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission, as well as other CoE Member States, CoE observer states and representatives of international organizations attended the Summit.
 
On this occasion, a message issued by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was read by Ambassador Suzuki. In the message, it was mentioned that the Council of Europe had an important role in setting rules for the international community with the international community at an inflection point. It was also stated that the establishment of the Register of Damage caused by the Russia’s aggression against Ukraine was welcomed and Japan intended to actively participate in future discussions. Finally it was stressed that Japan would like to demonstrate the G7’s strong determination to uphold the international order based on the rule of law at the G7 Hiroshima Summit.
 
Topics such as addressing human rights challenges, protection of democracy and support for Ukraine were discussed during the Summit, resulting in the adoption of 'Reykjavík Declaration: United around our values'. On behalf of Japan, Ambassador Suzuki signed the political declaration, which expressed political support for the establishment of the Register of Damage under the framework of the CoE (Japan joined as an associate member state).
 
(Reference)
Message of Prime Minister Kishida at the 4th CoE Summit
(English (PDF))