[Title] Video message from Foreign Minister Iwaya for the 11th General Conference of Mayors for Peace Commemorating 80 Years since the Atomic Bombings

Mr. Matsui, Chairman of the Mayors for Peace, distinguished guests, I am IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan. I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations on the holding of the 11th General Conference of Mayors for Peace Commemorating 80 Years since the Atomic Bombings.

Following the previous General Conference held in Hiroshima in 2022, I find it truly meaningful that this meeting is being held in Nagasaki, a city that has suffered from atomic bombing, with participants gathered from around the world. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of those present here today for your dedicated efforts toward realizing a "world without nuclear weapons" and achieving lasting world peace.

As the only country to have suffered atomic bombings during war, Japan has a deeper understanding than any other nation in the world of the tragedy caused by nuclear weapons and the preciousness of peace. An accurate understanding of the realities of the atomic bombings is the starting point for all efforts toward realizing a "world without nuclear weapons." It is Japan's responsibility to continue conveying the devastation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki across generations and national borders. Amidst the current severe international environment, I strongly feel that Japan's role in this regard is becoming increasingly important.

It is truly inspiring to witness many citizens from cities around the world participating in this Mayors for Peace Conference, sharing the same sentiment in continuing their efforts, particularly in fostering youth who will lead the peace initiatives of the next generation. I sincerely hope for the further development of this conference.

In closing, I would like to once again express my sincere gratitude to everyone gathered here today from Japan and around the world for this General Conference on the occasion of the commemoration of 80 years since the atomic bombings. To conclude my remarks, I would like to declare my determination to steadily advance, together with you, toward realizing a "world without nuclear weapons".