Japan and the United Nations

(1) Working Dinner hosted by Foreign Minister Kono

On August 30, commencing at 7:40 p.m. for approximately seventy minutes, Foreign Minister Kono held a working dinner with President Espinosa.

• a. At the outset, Minister Kono expressed his congratulations on Mrs. Espinosa's appointment as President of the 73rd session of the UNGA, and stated that Japan, as a Vice-President of the UNGA would offer maximum support to President Espinosa's leadership in resolving the challenges of the international society. President Espinosa expressed her appreciation for the invitation from Japan and strong support from Minister Kono.
• b. Minister Kono emphasized the importance of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reform and conveyed to President Espinosa that negotiation towards the reform needs to be progressed immediately. On North Korea, Minister Kono stated that it is critical that each country continues the full implementation of UNSC resolutions.
• c. The two sides exchanged views on a wide range of issues such as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), gender-related matters and other global issues, and shared the view to work closely together in these fields.

(2) Meeting with Prime Minister Abe

On August 31, commencing at around 10:35 a.m. for approximately twenty-five minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, held a meeting with President Espinosa.

• a. At the outset, Prime Minister Abe congratulated Mrs. Espinosa on her appointment as President of the 73rd session of the UNGA and expressed his hope for President Espinosa's strong leadership in addressing challenges faced by the United Nations, including the UNSC reform, and he also stated that Japan, as a Vice-President of the UNGA would extend full cooperation to President Espinosa.
• b. In response, President Espinosa expressed her gratitude for the invitation from Japan and commended Japan for its commitment to multilateral fora, including the United Nations.
• c. On North Korea, Prime Minister Abe stated that it is necessary to continue the full implementation of UNSC resolutions, and sought understanding and cooperation on the immediate resolution of the abductions issue.
• d. The two sides shared the view to work closely together on issues, such as gender equality and the SDGs.

(3) Other Meetings and visits

• a. In the afternoon of August 30, President Espinosa had a meeting with Dr. Kitaoka, President of JICA, in which they exchanged views on UN reforms to accelerate SDGs. The two sides agreed on the need for making a new standard of international cooperation with participation of emerging donors, as well as the importance of human security in today's international society. On refugee problems, President Espinosa expressed her expectation for JICA's assistance which places emphasis on self-reliance of refugees.
• b. In the afternoon of August 31, President Espinosa had a round table discussion on Women, peace and security at Sophia University. President Espinosa had lively exchange of views with students of the university, facilitated by Professor Daisaku Higashi.
• c. President Espinosa visited Kamakura and Fujisawa. President Espinosa was exposed to Japanese culture and history through her visits to Houkokuji (experience of tea ceremony), Tsurugaoka Hachimangu and Kotokuin in Kamakura, and visited "Fujisawa Sustainable Smart Town (SST)", the new town designed to link information with technology and social aspects.

Wednesday, August 29

Arrival in Tokyo

Thursday, August 30

Visit to Kamakura and Fujisawa

Meeting with President of JICA Kitaoka

Dinner hosted by Foreign Minister Kono

Friday, August 31

Meeting with Prime Minister Abe

Round table discussion at Sophia University

Departure from Tokyo