Speech by Mr. Shintaro Ito
State Secretary for Foreign Affairs
at the Reception on the Occasion of the Symposium
"Multilateral Approaches to Peace and Security"

December 1, 2008
Japanese

His Excellency Ambassador Kapambwe of Zambia,
Mr. Kiwa of the African Union,
Professor Stedman of Stanford University,
Professor Jones of New York University,
Excellencies,

I wish to extend my gratitude to all of you for the success of today's symposium, "Multilateral Approaches to Peace and Security." I understand that the participants had fruitful discussions about such topics as measures to deal with threats in the contemporary world, as well as a desirable configuration of the United Nations Security Council and Japan's role in it.

International collaboration is critically important to tackle a number of issues in today's world. In order to attain peace in the international community, individual countries, regional and international organizations and civil society must maximize their wisdom and cooperate in making utmost efforts.

In this context, the UN Security Council has significant responsibilities and roles. Starting January next year, Japan will become a member of the Security Council. We will make sincere efforts to address various challenges in the area of international peace and security in the Council. We will also strive, together with other countries, for the realization of the Security Council reform, which is an urgent issue for the entire international community.

Finally, this is a good occasion for all of you interested in these issues to gather. I would like to conclude my speech by expressing my heartfelt wish for everyone to have a valuable time this evening. Thank you.