PM: Japan will spare no effort to host safe Games

Japan's prime minister has said he will spare no effort to bring about the delayed 2020 Olympics in Tokyo in a safe and secure way.

Yoshide Suga made the comments during a video speech released Thursday at a special session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Suga said he hoped that hosting the Tokyo Games next year will serve as proof that humanity has defeated the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Olympics are to scheduled to open on 23 July next year, followed by the Paralympics on 24 August.

He said the pandemic had demonstrated the need for universal health care across the world.

No one's health should be left behind, he declared.

Suga added that it was essential to revive the global economy.