Japan and the United Nations
Foreign Minister Kishida Holds Luncheon Meeting with the President of the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly
July 4, 2017
On July 4, commencing at 12 p.m. for approximately one hour, Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held a luncheon meeting with 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), who is officially making a working visit to Japan upon invitation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- Ahead of the luncheon meeting, Minister Kishida congratulated Dr. Lajčák on his appointment as the next President of the UNGA, as well as stating that as Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovakia, President-elect Lajčák is also an important partner for Japan-Slovakia relations, and that he hopes to cooperate closely with President Lajčák in order to proactively contribute to the various challenges facing the international community, including UN Security Council (UNSC) reform. Following the launch of a ballistic missile by North korea, Minister Kishida stated that Japan will take a firm stance against North Korea. In response, President Lajčák expressed thanks for the invitation from Japan, noted the necessity for UN reform in order to realize a UN that is suited to the 21st Century, and expressed gratitude for Japan’s contributions to the UN. Additionally, President Lajčák stated that North Korea’s actions are clear violations of UNSC resolutions, and highlighted the importance of urging North Korea to comply with international obligations.
- At the luncheon meeting, Minister Kishida mentioned the importance of realizing UNSC reform and expressed expectation toward President Lajčák’s initiatives. Furthermore, Minister Kishida stated that North Korea poses a new level of threat, and pressure against North Korea needs to be strengthened. Minister Kishida also sought understanding and cooperation for an early resolution of the abductions issue. In addition, the two sides exchanged views on the importance of pursuing efforts in the arena of the UN in issues such as sustainable development and the refugee and migrant problem and agreed to continue working closely together in these areas.
- The two sides also shared the view that they will further strengthen Japan-Slovakia relations.