Japan and the United Nations
Prime Minister Abe Meets with the Secretary-General of the United Nations
September 20, 2016
Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office
On September 20, commencing at 5:20 p.m. for approximately 25 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, held a meeting with Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN). The overview is as follows.
- Secretary-General Ban stated that he hopes to coordinate closely with Japan, a member of the UN Security Council (UNSC) regarding North Korea's nuclear issue. In response Prime Minister Abe stated that North Korea's nuclear and missile constitute a new level of threat and the international community should respond in an unprecedented manner, and he requested that Secretary-General Ban exercise leadership with regard to the strict implementation of the series of UNSC resolutions by the international community.
- Additionally, Prime Minister Abe welcomed the success of the UN Summit for Refugees and Migrants, and explained that he hopes to work with the UN to steadily implement the contribution plan that Japan set forth at the G7 Summit. Prime Minister Abe also welcomed the appointment of Mr. Tadamichi Yamamoto as Head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), noted that the situation in Afghanistan remains unpredictable, and explained that Japan intends to support UNAMA's activities by partnering with the UN. Prime Minister Abe also explained that in order to concretely implement the "Proactive Contribution to Peace," "The Legislation for Peace and Security" went into effect this year, which will enable Japan to make greater international contributions in the security field through Peacekeeping Operations (PKO) and logistics support. In response, Secretary-General Ban explained that UNAMA Head Yamamoto is performing an active role and he intends to work together with him.
- Lastly, Secretary-General Ban stated that he hopes Japan will conclude the Paris Agreement as quickly as possible. Prime Minister Abe replied that he intends to do his utmost to conclude the agreement promptly.