Japan and the United Nations
Courtesy Call on Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary SATO by Permanent Representatives of African countries to the UN
March 17, 2026
On March 17, commencing at 2:30 p.m. for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. SATO Kei, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary, received a courtesy call by H.E. Ambassador Michael Imran Kanu, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Sierra Leone to the United Nations, H.E. Ambassador Erastus Lokaale, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kenya to the United Nations and H.E. Ambassador Coly Seck, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Senegal to the United Nations. The overview of the courtesy call is as follows:
- At the outset of the meeting, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary SATO welcomed the first visit of Permanent Representatives to Japan and stated that amidst a rapidly evolving international landscape, the strengthening of Japan-Africa relations is becoming increasingly important. He also emphasized the paramount importance of the concept of human security in addressing the challenges facing Africa. He also noted that cooperation with the United Nations is important from this perspective.
- In response, Permanent Representatives highly commended Japan's support for the United Nations and Africa. Both sides shared a view to further strengthen the cooperative relationship between Japan and Africa, including the TICAD framework.
- Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary SATO also stated that The United Nations itself requires reform, and Japan would like to strengthen cooperaiton with Africa so that the Security Council in particular truly reflects the current realities of the international community. Both sides concurred on the importance of achieving concrete progress towards Security Council reform and on the continued cooperation between G4, including Japan, and Africa.
- In addition, both sides exchanged views on the importance of the full implementation of the UN Security Council resolutions toward the complete denuclearization of North Korea. Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary SATO asked for understanding and cooperation for the immediate resolution of the abductions issue.