At a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Saturday, US President Joe Biden reaffirmed his support for the Tokyo Olympics, emphasizing the importance of imposing public health measures to ensure the safety of all involved.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, which were postponed last year owing to the global spread of the coronavirus, are set to begin on July 23, despite widespread public opposition, as well as opposition from many Japanese business and medical personnel.

Biden discussed COVID-19, North Korea, China, and climate change with Suga on the margins of the Group of Seven summit in the British seaside resort of Carbis Bay, according to a statement released by the White House.

“President Biden reaffirmed his support for the Tokyo Olympic Games carrying through with all essential public health precautions to protect athletes, staff, and spectators,” the statement stated.

“President Biden shared his delight in the United States athletes who have trained for the Tokyo Olympics and will be competing in the best traditions of the Olympic spirit,” the statement read.

The comments echoed a similar statement made in April during Suga’s visit to Washington.

Despite the fact that Tokyo is dealing with a fourth wave of infections and is under a state of emergency, the Japanese government and organizers have stated that the games would go on – barring “Armageddon,” as one member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) put it.

Tokyo 2020 organizing committee chairwoman Seiko Hashimoto said on Friday that the G7 countries would be “grateful” if they could support the Summer Games going ahead as planned.