Biden commends Suga on successful Tokyo Olympics, backs Paralympics
Baku, August 10, AZERTAC
U.S. President Joe Biden commended Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on the "successful" hosting of the Tokyo Olympics during phone talks on Tuesday and expressed his support for the Paralympics, which will start later in the month, according to the White House, according to Kyodo News.
The Tokyo Games ended Sunday following more than two weeks of competition held amid extraordinary restrictions under the coronavirus pandemic. Biden had supported Japan's plan to hold a "safe and secure" Olympics despite concerns over pushing ahead with the global sporting event without the pandemic fully under control.
"Biden applauded the performance of all the athletes and highlighted the success of Japanese and U.S. Olympians," the White House said in a statement.
"The president also affirmed his continuing support for Japan's hosting of the Paralympics, while noting the public health measures taken so that Olympic athletes could compete in the best traditions of the Olympic spirit," it said.
The Japanese capital is preparing to now host the Paralympics from Aug. 24 to Sept. 5.
Suga told reporters after their phone talks that he and Biden also affirmed cooperation to further advance a "free and open" Indo-Pacific amid China's growing assertiveness in the region.
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