Courtesy Call on Mr. Masahiko Koumura, Minister for Foreign Affairs, by Mr. Jean-Marie Guehenno, Under Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations of the United Nations, and Three Other Senior UN Officials

June 4, 2008

On June 4, Mr. Jean-Marie Guéhenno, the Under Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations of the United Nations, and three other senior UN officials now visiting Japan, paid a courtesy call on Mr. Masahiko Koumura, Minister for Foreign Affairs, from 16:30 for about 20 minutes. The main points of their exchange were as follows:

Mr. Koumura said that Japan, as a “peace-fostering nation”, wants to play a more important role in the international community and seek to make possible further human resource contributions to that end, and expressed his hope to continue the close cooperation with the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations. They also exchanged views on a wide range of issues regarding the peacekeeping operations.
Mr. Koumura also made following remarks:

(1) On Nepal, to which Japan is dispatching Self Defense Force personnel, Japan will continue to provide assistance with emphasis on poverty reduction in rural areas, as well as promotion of democratization and peacebuilding.

(2) On Cyprus, where there recently has been a positive political movement, Japan will consider contributing a personnel to the office of Special Advisor to the Secretary-General, if the situation moves in a favorable direction, and such a Special Advisor is indeed appointed.

(3) Japan requests the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operation, which is playing an increasingly important role, to realize the appointment of Japanese staffs of senior level at an early date.

Mr. Guéhenno expressed gratitude for Japan’s contribution and assistance provided to UN activities including the PKO, and expressed his hope for Japan’s continued cooperation. In addition, on Nepal, Mr. Guéhenno highly appreciated the contributions made by the military observers dispatched from Japan.

(END)

Back to Index