The contents of the book of condolences that the G7 leaders signed at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum have been released. All of the leaders pledged to work for peace in their own words. US President Joe Biden expressed his desire to see nuclear weapons abolished.
The G7 leaders visited the museum on Friday and signed the book. The Japanese government has made the contents public.
Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, wrote that as chair of the historic G7 summit, he and other leaders had gathered with the aim of achieving a world without nuclear weapons.
Biden wrote, "May the stories of this Museum remind us all of our obligations to build a future of peace." He added, "Together-let us continue to make progress toward the day when we can finally and forever rid the world of nuclear weapons. Keep the faith!"
The message suggests Biden is carrying forward the values of former President Barack Obama, who advocated a world without nuclear weapons.
French President Emmanuel Macron wrote that it is the leaders' mission to carry on the responsibility of paying tribute to the victims in Hiroshima with feelings and sympathy, and to act for peace.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of Britain said, "Shakespeare tells us to 'give sorrow words.' Yet language fails in the light of the bomb's flash." Sunak added, "No words can describe the horror and suffering of the people of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. But what we can say, with all our hearts, and all our souls, is no more."
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote, "Canada pays solemn tribute to the many lives lost, the unspeakable grief of the Hibakusha, and the immeasurable suffering of the people of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Trudeau added in French, "Your experiences will be inscribed in our hearts forever."
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz wrote that the place reminds him of unimaginable suffering. He said he and his partners will renew their promise to protect peace and freedom with stronger determination than ever. He stressed that war with nuclear weapons must never be repeated.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni wrote, "Let's stop a little today and pray. Let's remember today that there is nothing that the darkness can overwhelm. Today, let's remember the past and draw a future full of hope together."
European Council President Charles Michel wrote, "An immense tragedy took place here almost 80 years ago. It reminds us what we -- as G7 -- are defending. And why we are defending it. Peace and freedom. Because it's what all human beings want most."
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote, "What happened in Hiroshima is still today haunting humanity. It is a stark reminder of the terrible cost of war -- and our everlasting duty to protect and preserve peace."