Japan and the United Nations
Foreign Minister MOTEGI’s meeting with Dr. Khalilur Rahman, President of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly
September 21, 2026
On September 21, commencing at around 4:25 p.m. local time (5:25 a.m. on September 22, Japan time) for approximately 15 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who was visiting New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly, held a meeting with Dr. Khalilur Rahman, President of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
- At the outset, Minister MOTEGI congratulated President Rahman on his assumption of the presidency of the General Assembly and stated his intention to cooperate to help build more resilient and effective United Nations. In response, President Rahman welcomed Minister Motegi’s attendance at the United Nations General Assembly.
- Minister MOTEGI stated that UN reform is essential for restoring trust in the United Nations and conveyed that it is urgently necessary to reform the Security Council so that it truly reflects today’s international community, and that he counts on President Rahman’s leadership towards early achievement of the reform. In addition, Minister MOTEGI explained that, under the concept of human security, Japan intends to further strengthen cooperation with the international community to realize an inclusive society where “no one is left behind.” He also emphasized that he attaches importance to cooperation with the Office of the President of the UN General Assembly. In response, President Rahman stated that measures in the field of AI are particularly important and expressed his will to collaborate closely with Japan, including in that field.
- In addition, the two sides concurred to cooperate on policies toward North Korea including the nuclear and missile issues as well as the abductions issue.