Japan and the United Nations

In his keynote speech as a co-host of the event, Minister Kono introduced Japan’s efforts in promoting quality infrastructure such as the “Expanded Partnership for Quality Infrastructure” and the “Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy” and emphasized the importance of standardizing the concept of “quality infrastructure” internationally and building international rules that help mobilize private finance which is indispensable to increase capital for infrastructure investments. Through this event, the importance of internationally promoting “quality infrastructure” was widely shared.

In his speech, Minister Kono commented on the current situation in which the threat of terrorism is spreading quickly across Europe and Asia, and introduced Japan’s international cooperation to combat global terrorism and its unique assistance for measures against violent extremism, and announced Japan’s plans to further strengthen international cooperation to combat global terrorism by contributing to the activities of GCTF and signing the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC). A ministerial statement and two outcome documents were adopted.

In his speech, Minister Kono introduced the lessons Japan learned through its efforts as co-coordinator of the Conference on Facilitating the Entry into Force of CTBT and expressed Japan’s determination to lead the efforts of the international community towards the early entry into force of CTBT. Several countries condemned the nuclear tests by North Korea in their speeches and made references to the need for the early entry into force of CTBT in their speeches. A final declaration was adopted as an expression of the collective will of all participants of the conference. This included condemnation of North Korea’s nuclear tests in the strongest terms.

In his statement, Minister Kono pointed out the importance of enhancing the capabilities and performance of PKO personnel and introduced best practices from Japan’s training and capacity building support such as the UN Project for Africa Rapid Deployment of Engineering Capabilities (ARDEC). Various countries emphasized the need for conflict prevention and political solutions, as well as the importance of partnerships between the UN and regional organizations. UNSC resolution 2378 (2017) on UN Peacekeeping Reform was adopted as an outcome of the Open Debate.

The G4 Foreign Ministers reconfirmed the need for an early reform of the Security Council in a manner that includes the expansion of both permanent and non-permanent categories of membership and the improvement of working methods in order to make the Council more legitimate, effective and representative. They also expressed their determination to launch text-based negotiations at the Intergovernmental Negotiations during the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly, based on the recognition that all aspects of reform had been thoroughly discussed by the end of the 71st session of the General Assembly, taking into account the fact that the overwhelming majority of Member States support the initiation of text-based negotiations,.

As Co-chair, Minister Kono stated that the role of NPDI is important more than ever, given the increasingly severe environment for promoting nuclear disarmament. Minister Kono expressed his intention to cooperate closely with each country in order to rebuild trust between nuclear weapon states and non-nuclear weapon states, and strongly condemned North Korea’s nuclear tests, missile launches, and other provocations. At the Joint Press Conference of the meeting, 1) a joint statement by the NPDI foreign ministers to reiterate their potential resolve to contribute to a successful conclusion of the 2020 NPT Review Conference through realistic and practical proposals and 2) a separate joint statement condemning North Korea’s provocations in the strongest terms were issued.

Minister Kono stated that Japan is deeply concerned by the serious challenges the international non-proliferation regime faces and noted the importance of concrete efforts such as CTBT. He strongly condemned North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missiles, and urged it to strictly and fully implement the UNSC resolutions. Many countries commented on the importance of maintaining and strengthening the disarmament and non-proliferation regime, including the NPT regime and UNSC Resolution 1540, as well as the role that the UNSC plays in the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and strongly condemned the series of nuclear tests and ballistic missile launches by North Korea.

Minister Kono gave a speech at Columbia University entitled “Diplomacy in Creeping Crises.”

Minister Kono expressed concern over the extremely serious humanitarian situation in Yemen and explained that Japan has been steadily implementing the support Japan announced at the Yemen Pledging Conference in April. Moreover, while calling on the Government of Yemen to take positive action towards a cessation of hostilities, Minister Kono called on relevant countries to encourage all parties in Yemen to move towards dialogue.

The Foreign Ministers of Japan, the United States and India shared their views that the international community, including the three countries, should jointly apply an unprecedented, new level of pressure on North Korea. They also agreed to strengthen cooperation in maritime security as well as to enhance regional connectivity, and to strengthen and maintain the dialogue between the three countries going forward, towards the realization of a free and open India and Pacific Ocean.

Both ministers shared their views of further strengthening the “Special Strategic Partnership” between Japan and Australia and coordinating closely in order to maintain a free and open international order based on the rule of law. Both ministers reaffirmed to coordinate closely towards an early conclusion of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). The two ministers also shared their requisition to coordinate closely on the issue of North Korea and cooperate in addressing human rights issues of North Korea including the abductions issue.

Minister Kono explained that the Government of Japan is considering specific measures to assist refugees that are flowing into Bangladesh and that it will call on the Government of Myanmar to restore the situation of security. With regard to the situation in North Korea, Minister Kono explained the necessity of applying an unprecedented, new level of pressure on North Korea to urge it to change its policy, and requested cooperation to that end.

Minister Kono strongly urged Russia to exercise influence over North Korea, and the two ministers shared the view that Japan and Russia will work together on the issue of North Korea at various levels and occasions including the UN Security Council. Regarding the Northern Territories issue, the two ministers confirmed that they will materialize the agreements at the Japan-Russia Summit Meeting on the occasion of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok.

Minister Kono explained that during the recent visit by Prime Minister May to Japan, both leaders agreed that the cooperative relationship between Japan and the U.K. would be elevated a new level. Minister Kono further stated that he intended to cooperate closely with Secretary Johnson. Regarding the situation in North Korea, both ministers shared the view that they would advance cooperation towards further strengthening pressure on North Korea, including their responses at the UNSC. They also agreed to further strengthen security and defense cooperation between Japan and the U.K., as well as bilateral economic relationship, and exchanged views on the situation in Myanmar.

The two ministers agreed to work closely to maximize pressure on North Korea through such means as the full implementation of UNSC resolutions and to cooperate towards the resolution of the abductions issue. Furthermore, the two ministers exchanged views regarding the UNSC reform and NAFTA, and confirmed that they will advance bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the “New Era for Cooperation between Japan and Canada”.

Minister Kono expressed his intention to further promote bilateral relations including in the area of defense. Regarding the situation in North Korea, Minister Kono stated the importance of fully implementing the relevant UNSC resolutions and the need to apply maximum pressure on North Korea. Minister Abdullah expressed his total support for the Japanese position. Regarding the issue of North Korean laborers, Minister Kono called on the UAE side to restrict the issuance of work permits as one of their efforts.

The two ministers strongly condemned North Korea’s ballistic missile launch that flew over the territory of Japan on September 15 and shared the view on the importance of through implementation of the all relevant UNSC resolutions and the need for further increasing pressure on North Korea from the international community. High Representative Mogherini expressed her intention to cooperate with Japan, the United States, and the Republic of Korea (ROK) and to urge countries concerned to rigorously implement a series of relevant UNSC resolutions. The two ministers also affirmed that they will cooperate closely in the field of security in the Asia-Pacific region. Japan and the EU shared common interests on the security of the Asia-Pacific region and confirmed to promote close cooperation to this end.

The two ministers confirmed that the full implementation of the UNSC resolutions would be important in addressing the North Korea problem and that Japan and France would cooperate closely to exert pressure on North Korea. The two ministers also confirmed the importance of the rule of law at sea and agreed to continue to hold various discussions on such opportunities as the “2+2” meetings to strengthen bilateral security and defense cooperation. Furthermore, they reaffirmed their cooperation towards the success of “Japonism 2018.”

Minister Kono stated that Brazil is an important partner with whom Japan shares fundamental values and expressed his intention to further deepen the close relations between Japan and Brazil at the global level, including with regard to UN reform. Minister Nunes stated that next year marks the 110th anniversary of Japanese migration to Brazil and expressed his intention to take the opportunity to further strengthen bilateral relations. Minister Kono also explained the need for the international community as a whole to apply an unprecedented , new level of pressure on North Korea, and the two ministers agreed to work together closely going forward.

Minister Kono highlighted the importance of universal values such as democracy and the rule of law. He expressed his intention to cooperate with the GUAM Member States in order to establish the rule of law in the international community, for which he received the support from the respective participating countries. Minister Kono also stated the need to apply maximum pressure on North Korea in order to change its policy. The GUAM member states condemned North Korea’s recent nuclear test and repeated ballistic missile launches and expressed solidarity with Japan. A joint press release was issued following the meeting.

Minister Kono stated the importance of “institution-building” for Africa’s peace and stability and explained Japan’s contributions in the relevant areas including the dispatch of the engineering unit of Self Defense Force to South Sudan. He stressed that North Korea went ahead with the nuclear tests and the ballistic missile launches which pose an unprecedented, grave and imminent threat to international peace and security. Participants from Africa expressed their gratitude for Japan’s assistance under the TICAD process and their support for Japan’s position including the full implementation of the relevant UNSC resolutions related to North Korea. They also confirmed to continue to cooperate with Japan, including the UNSC reform, for the peace and stability of Africa and the international community.

Minister Kono expressed expectation that Japan’s grant aid for road improvement would contribute to the improvement of the traffic and distribution networks. In response, Foreign Minister Barry expressed his high regard and appreciation for Japan’s continuous assistance. Regarding North Korea, Minister Kono emphasized the importance of the full implementation of the relevant UNSC resolutions, to which Minister Barry replied that Burkina Faso’s position coincides with that of Japan. Furthermore, Minister Barry stated that Burkina Faso shares Japan’s position that the UNSC reform is necessary, and expressed his intention keep cooperating with Japan. Minister Kono expressed his hope that progress will be made in the negotiations and expressed his strong desire for cooperation on this matter.

Minister Kono expressed his intention to further develop the relationship between Japan and Latin America and the Caribbean region through dialogue with CELAC. The CELAC side expressed gratitude for Japan’s assistance and stated that they would like to cooperate with Japan further in a wide range of areas, including disaster risk reduction. Minister Kono also emphasized the need to apply an unprecedented and new level of pressure on North Korea and to fully implement the relevant UNSC resolutions. The ministers and other participants shared the serious concern that the development of nuclear weapons and missiles by North Korea poses a direct challenge to the international disarmament and non-proliferation regime.

Minister Kono stated that it is necessary for the international community as a whole to increase pressure on North Korea by further encouraging the roles of China and Russia. In response, Vice-Chancellor Gabriel stated that Germany is encouraging China and Russia to play their roles, and the EU is also taking sanction measures against North Korea. The two ministers shared the view that they will cooperate closely in this regard, as well as the areas of the UNSC reform and nuclear disarmament, among other matters.

The two ministers welcomed the 45th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and China in September this year and shared the view that they will work on the further improvement of the relationship and continue to build a stable bilateral relationship, while dealing with matters of concern appropriately. The two ministers also shared the view that they will undertake concrete coordination going forward to realize a Japan-China-Republic of Korea (ROK) Trilateral Summit within this year and Minister Kono’s visit to China at an early date. Regarding North Korea, Minister Kono strongly encouraged China to play a responsible and constructive role, and the two ministers confirmed that denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula is a common goal of Japan and China , that it is important to fully implement all the relevant UNSC resolutions, and that Japan and China will continue to work closely.

Minister Kono stated that Japan supports the nuclear agreement and expects Iran’s continuous compliance with the agreement. He also stated that it is important for all the parties to comply with the agreement. Minister Zarif stated that Iran has been complying with the nuclear agreement. Regarding North Korea, Minister Kono stated that North Korea has repeatedly conducted nuclear tests and launched ballistic missiles and expressed his intention to put pressure on North Korea in cooperation with Iran. Minister Zarif responded that Iran opposes nuclear weapons and the development of nuclear weapons, including nuclear tests.

Regarding the issue of North Korea, the two ministers agreed to maintain close collaboration between the two countries as well as among Japan, the United States, and the ROK, including cooperation in the security area, based on the discussions at the Japan-U.S.-ROK Summit Meeting on the previous day (the 21st). The two ministers also agreed that although difficult issues exist between Japan and ROK, the two countries will manage these difficult issues appropriately and cooperate to pursue a future-oriented Japan-ROK relationship.