Japan and the United Nations
Meeting between Prime Minister TAKAICHI and United Nations Secretary-General Guterres
May 18, 2026
(Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)
On May 18, commencing at 6:00 p.m. for approximately 15 minutes, Prime Minister Sanae TAKAICHI held a meeting with H.E. Mr. António Manuel de Oliveira Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, who is visiting Japan.
- At the outset, Prime Minister TAKAICHI welcomed Secretary-General Guterres’ visit to Japan and welcomed that the UN System Chief Executives Board for Coordination (CEB) was being held in Japan for the first time in Asia, as this year marks 70th anniversary of Japan’s accession to the UN. She also stated that amidst the unstable international situation, it is more important than ever for the UN to work together by uniting forces rather than being divided, and that Japan's firm support for multilateralism centered on the UN remains unchanged. In response, Secretary-General Guterres expressed his gratitude for Japan’s contributions to the UN.
- Prime Minister TAKAICHI also stated the necessity of UN reform, including the Security Council reform and UN80 Initiative, and expressed her intention to continue contributing to and cooperating with UN-centered efforts, including the maintenance and strengthening of the rule of law, including the UN Charter. In reply, Secretary-General Guterres expressed his appreciation for Japan’s support for the activities of the United Nations and delivered the efforts towards UN reform and the expectation for Japan.
- In addition, the two leaders concurred to continue to cooperate on policies toward North Korea including on the nuclear and missile issues as well as the abductions issue and the situation in the Middle East.