The American envoy to the United Nations urged countries possessing atomic weapons to prioritize nuclear disarmament during her visit to the atomic bomb museum in Nagasaki, Japan. Emphasizing the significance of dialogue and diplomacy in the face of a growing nuclear threat, she highlighted the need for collaborative efforts to create an environment conducive to disarmament and prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons globally.
Reflecting on the devastating impact of the atomic bombings on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, she underscored the importance of pursuing arms control among nations already in possession of nuclear weapons. Standing amidst colorful origami cranes symbolizing peace, she expressed the collective goal of ensuring that Nagasaki remains the last site to witness the horrors of nuclear warfare.
The visit by the U.S. envoy marked a historic moment as the first U.S. cabinet member to visit Nagasaki, receiving praise from local officials for her commitment to advancing nuclear disarmament efforts. The governor of Nagasaki commended the ambassador's visit as a powerful message to the international community, emphasizing the critical role of Nagasaki and Hiroshima in advocating for nuclear disarmament.
Furthermore, the envoy's visit to Japan aimed to strengthen trilateral ties with Tokyo and Seoul, following Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's recent visit to the United States. Discussions during the visit included plans to establish a new monitoring mechanism for North Korea's nuclear weapons program, amidst challenges posed by Russia and China in escalating U.N. sanctions against North Korea.
Against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the region, the United States, Japan, and South Korea have deepened security cooperation to address threats from North Korea and China. The envoy's engagement in South Korea, where she met with officials and defectors from North Korea, underscored the shared commitment to regional stability and security.
