Japan and the United Nations
Prime Minister Abe Receives a Courtesy Call from the President of the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly
July 4, 2017
(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe received a courtesy call from H.E. Dr. Miroslav Lajčák, President of the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) (Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic), from 9:25 a.m. on July 4 for about 15 minutes. The overview is as follows:
- At the outset, Prime Minister Abe expressed his congratulated Dr. Lajčák on his appointment as the next President of the UNGA and expressed his hope for President Lajčák’s strong leadership in addressing the United Nations (UN) reform, including the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reform, and he also expressed his intention to cooperate closely together with President Lajčák.
- In response, President Lajčák expressed his gratitude for the invitation from Japan and his appreciation and expectation for Japan’s assistance toward the United Nations. He also stated his intention to support the Secretary General and to address the necessary issues of the United Nations, including UN reform.
- Prime Minister Abe emphasized the importance that Japan places on UNSC reform and his hopes for President Lajčák’s leadership. He also reaffirmed that North Korea poses a new level of threat and that it is necessary to strengthen pressure on North Korea. In addition, Prime Minister Abe requested President Lajčák’s understanding and cooperation for an early resolution of the abductions issue. He also explained Japan’s efforts in addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The two sides agreed on working closely together in these fields.
- The two sides also shared the view that they will further advance the cooperation between Japan and the Slovak Republic.