Japan and the United Nations

On July 17 commencing at 4:30p.m local time for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting New York to attend the High Level Political Forum, held a meeting with Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN).

1. At the outset, Minister Kishida referred to the UN reform in the area of peace and security, sustainable development, and management, which Secretary General Guterres is currently undertaking, and stated that Japan is paying close attention to the process and intends to work closely with the Secretary General. Minister Kishida also expressed Japan's intention to cooperate with Mr. Guterres to mainstream the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
2. Minister Kishida stated that North Korea poses a new level of threat, that it is necessary to increase pressure at this juncture and that it is important to adopt a new Security Council Resolution with further strict measures, and called for the understanding and support of the Secretary General. Both sides confirmed that they will continue cooperating on issues concerning North Korea. Minister Kishida also called for the UN's cooperation for an early resolution of the abductions issue. 
3. Minister Kishida stated the importance of UN reform including the Security Council reform and both sides confirmed to maintain close cooperation on UN reform. They also exchanged views on disarmament and non-proliferation issues.