Japan and the United Nations
Foreign Minister Kono Attends the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly
September 28, 2018
- From Saturday, September 22 to Friday, September 28, Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, visited New York to attend the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
- Minister Kono attended multilateral meetings covering a wide range of areas including Security Council reform, disarmament and non-proliferation, development, North Korea, and the Middle East. During these meetings, he proactively presented Japan's position and contributions regarding the challenges faced by the international community and demonstrated the leadership of Japan.
- Making use of the relations that he has established with the representatives of various countries, Minister Kono proactively held talks with a large number of countries and regions, further strengthened cooperative relations and trust, and exchanged views on the international situation, including the issue of North Korea.
- 1 Proactively presenting the Japanese positions and contributions regarding international issues(listed in chronological order)
- 2 Strengthening relationships with various countries and regions through meetings and conferences (listed in chronological order)
1 Proactively presenting the Japanese positions and contributions regarding international issues(listed in chronological order)
(1) Global Call to Action on the World Drug Problem (September 24 (New York time; same hereinafter))
Mr. Donald J. Trump, President of the United States of America, issued a statement on the major transnational problems posed by the narcotics issue, including illegal financial flows and corruption, and set out his aim of working with the international community to realize a drug-free society. Following this, Mr. Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), expressed the UN's intention of supporting the initiatives held by various countries based on drug-related UN treaties and the Outcome Document of the Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly on the World Drug Problem (UNGASS). In addition, the Global Call to Action was publicly announced as a political document.
(2) Nelson Mandela Peace Summit (September 24)
Mrs. Espinosa Garcés, President of the 73rd session of UNGA; Mr. Guterres, UN Secretary-General; Mr. Moussa Faki, Chairperson of the African Union (AU); Ms. Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa; Mr. Varadkar, President of the Republic of Ireland; and representatives from the UN Member States including Japan attended the Nelson Mandela Peace Summit with the objective of promoting global peace, in honor of the centenary of the birth of Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa. After introducing the relationship between Mr. Mandela and Japan, Minister Kono expressed Japan's intention of carrying on the will of Mr. Mandela and taking proactive actions to peacebuilding, based on the idea of human security, including Japan's hosting of the Seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD7) next year.
(3) Ministerial Working Lunch on the Rakhine State Situation (September 24)
At a Ministerial Working Lunch on the Rakhine State situation hosted by the United Kingdom and France, Minister Kono set out the efforts currently required for responding to the Rakhine State situation, namely (1) support for the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh to ease its burden of maintaining the living environment for the displaced persons, and (2) support for the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar to expedite its efforts towards creating an environment for enabling the return and resettlement of the displaced persons, and called upon the international community for its cooperation. In addition, Minister Kono also stated that the international community needed to provide support to ensure that Myanmar did not return once again to its previous system of government.(4) Emerging Challenges and Shifting Paradigms: New Perspectives on International Cooperation for Development (September 24)
Minister Kono reiterated Japan's intention of contributing towards "nation-building" across the world and the "human resource development" required for this, with a particular focus on education, health and disaster-risk reduction, as Japan looks ahead to the G20 Summit and Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) which are to be held in Japan next year, while strongly promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) based on Japan's belief in realizing a vibrant and prosperous future in which "no one will be left behind." Discussions were held among the attendees concerning new ways of development cooperation which will reach beyond the traditional Official Development Assistance (ODA) framework and which will be necessary for responding to new challenges that are currently emerging.
(5) High-Level Event on Action for Peacekeeping (A4P) (September 25)
Minister Kono emphasized that Japan intended to strengthen its support for the two following areas in UN peacekeeping operations (PKOs): (1) Capacity building for enablers such as engineers, medical and signals personnel; and (2) Gender related issues. Minister Kono announced that Japan will expand training for the operation of heavy engineering equipment to peacekeepers in Asia and the surrounding regions in November 2018 under the UN Triangular Partnership Project, and will send Japan Ground Self-Defense Force personnel as instructors to conduct trial training. Taking this opportunity, the "Declaration of Shared Commitments on Action for Peacekeeping (A4P)" was endorsed by many Member States.
(6) Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the G4 countries (September 25)
The G4 foreign ministers reconfirmed the need for an early reform of the Security Council including the expansion of both permanent and non-permanent categories of membership, in order to improve the legitimacy, effectiveness and representativeness of the Council. The ministers also agreed to strengthen the initiatives taken by the G4 aimed at launching text-based negotiations in the Intergovernmental Negotiations during the current session and, with regard to this point, agreed to express support for reflecting the African Common Position in text-based negotiations, and to task their respective officials to consider the way forward to advance the reform of the Security Council.
(7) Working Dinner of the Foreign Ministers of the G7 (September 25)
The foreign ministers of the G7 held candid and lively discussions about urgent issues that the international community is facing and regional affairs from the perspective of continued cooperation among the G7, amidst an increasingly unclear situation in terms of global affairs and challenges to the existing international order.
(8) High Level Meeting Hosted by the European Union (EU) on the Syrian Crisis (September 26)
Minister Kono, while stressing that it would be impossible to attain enduring peace and stability in Syria without promoting political processes in Geneva and achieving a settlement with the people of Syria, emphasized that Japan would provide strong support for cooperation with Mr. Staffan de Mistura, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria, including the establishment of a constitutional committee in Syria. Stating that Japan's principle of assistance to Syria is "to deliver humanitarian assistance to all Syrians facing difficulties," Minister Kono announced that new assistance amounting to approximately USD 10 million would be provided. Attendees at the meeting confirmed once again the importance of promoting the political process, including the establishment of a constitutional committee, and that there is no military option to solve the crisis in Syria.
(9) High-Level Side Event: Promoting Quality Infrastructure (September 26)
Minister Kono, while providing an explanation of the "Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy", stated that Japan will continue efforts to consolidate the quality infrastructure concept as an international standard shared by the international community and enhance connectivity through quality infrastructure, looking ahead to Japan's G20 presidency next year. At the meeting, participates came to an understanding on the importance of international standardof quality infrastructure, including effective resource mobilization, debt sustainability and other elements.
(10) High Level Meeting on the Two-State Solution (September 26)
Minister Kono, after clarifying Japan's unchanging support for a "two-state solution" in which Israel and a future Palestinian State can co-exist peacefully, declared the importance of dialogue between the two sides, stating that the efforts by the international community will not bear fruit without direct negotiations among the parties. He declared that Japan has been contributing to confidence building between the parties as a natural actor, and will cooperate with any initiative for achieving a two-state solution.(11) United Nations Security Council Meeting on DPRK Denuclearization (September 27)
The meeting chaired by the Honorable Mike Pompeo, Secretary of State of the United States, was attended by the other members of the UN Security Council, as well as Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK), and the participants discussed the denuclearization of North Korea. Minister Kono stressed the importance of the unity of the international community to continue to fully implement all relevant Security Council resolutions, in light of the ongoing diplomatic efforts, including the historical US-North Korea summit and three Inter-Korean Summits, as well as North Korea's attempts to evade sanctions such as illegal "ship-to-ship transfers."
(12) Ministerial Meeting of the Friends of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) (September 27)
Minister Kono, as co-chair of the Friends of the CTBT, stated the importance of the promotion of the early entry into force, the universalization and the reinforcement of the verification regime of the CTBT. Minister Kono stated that presenting the advancement of the CTBT is essential, and called for the efforts by the international community towards the early entry into force of the CTBT. There were remarks from the various participating countries on the importance of promoting the early entry into force of the CTBT. The Final Declaration was adopted as the collective opinion of the various countries, calling for the promotion of the early entry into force, the universalization and the reinforcement of the verification regime of the CTBT, and urging the remaining eight States listed in Annex 2 of the Treaty, especially North Korea, to sign and ratify the treaty.
(13) Ministerial Meeting on United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) (September 27)
Minister Kono expressed the view that UNRWA's activities are important from a humanitarian perspective and in terms of the stability of the region. He also explained that Japan decided to provide assistance amounting to approximately USD 45 million this year, some of which was just approved in September this year. Ministers and representatives from various countries and organizations attended the meeting, and exchanged opinions concerning UNRWA's financial shortfall and medium- to long-term strategies.
(14) Ministerial Meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) (September 27)
Minister Kono, after clarifying Japan's support for a "two-state solution," introduced some unique initiatives undertaken by Japan including the "Corridor for Peace and Prosperity" initiative and the Conference on the Cooperation among East Asian countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD), and described the support Japan is providing for Palestinian refugees and the initiatives that Japan is undertaking in Gaza via UNRWA. Most of the attendees at the meeting, after emphasizing the importance of responding speedily to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza where the situation continues to deteriorate, voiced opinions concerning the need for proactive initiatives among all of the relevant stakeholders in order to realize peace, and the need to continue to provide ongoing support for UNRWA's activities.
(15) Exchange of views with Japanese staff in UN organizations (September 27)
Minister Kono explained that, since being appointed as Minister for Foreign Affairs, he has set out increasing the numbers of Japanese people hired by international organizations and promoting more Japanese personnel to become senior staff members of international organizations as important goals, and described the various initiatives that he has undertaken to date. An exchange of views was also held among the Japanese personnel participating in the meeting regarding the competencies required for being appointed as senior personnel, the efforts that should be made by personnel in their younger years, and the tasks and effective support policies that need to be addressed by the government.
(16) Ministerial Meeting of the Global Governance Group (3G) (September 28)
Minister Kono, representing the next G20 presidency, expressed that in achieving global economic growth and stability, as well as an inclusive and sustainable international community, Japan seeks to work closely with the United Nations and 3G member countries in contributing to the resolution of global issues that have an immense impact on the global economy.
2 Strengthening relationships with various countries and regions through meetings and conferences (listed in chronological order)
(1) Meeting with Relevant Officers from the Japanese American Leadership Delegation (JALD) Program (September 23) (New York time; same hereinafter)
While touching on the importance of the bonds between Japan and Japanese Americans, Minister Kono expressed his hope that Japanese Americans would continue to cooperate with enhancing Japan-U.S. relations going forward. JALD participants made statements on initiatives etc. undertaken by various members aimed at invigorating Japan-U.S. exchanges.
(2) Japan-Turkey Foreign Ministers' Meeting (September 24)
Describing Turkey as an important country playing a major role in the Middle East, including the continually-changing situation in Syria, Minister Kono stated that he welcomed the outcomes of Turkey's persistent diplomatic efforts during the recent Turkey-Russia Summit Meeting in which an agreement was reached to set up a demilitarized zone in Idlib. The ministers agreed that as strategic partners, Japan and Turkey would work to strengthen their cooperation further in areas such as politics, economy, culture and disaster risk reduction.
(3) GUAM-Japan Ministerial Meeting (September 24)
Pointing out the importance of universal values such as democracy and the rule of law, Minister Kono expressed the desire to cooperate with the GUAM member states (Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, and Moldova) to establish the rule of law across the international community, and gained the supports.
(4) 6th Japan-CARICOM Ministerial-Level Conference (September 24)
Minister Kono stated his desire to further strengthen relations with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) including providing assistance for the organization, based on the three pillars of "Japan's CARICOM Policy" and on the fundamental values shared by both sides. In response, the CARICOM side stated that Japan and the CARICOM member states are partners that have maintained a cordial and cooperative relationship over many years and expressed its intention to further advance relations in the future. Finally, attendees held discussions on climate change, disaster risk reduction, sustainable use of living marine resources, the United Nations Security Council reform, the issue of North Korea including the abductions issue, and tax transparency, and both sides confirmed their intentions of continuing to cooperate in the international arena.
(5) Japan-Morocco Foreign Ministers' Meeting (September 25)
Minister Kono stated his desire to further develop a multilevel partnership between Japan and the Kingdom of Morocco while maintaining the close relations that have existed between the two countries for many years. After welcoming the recent advances of the relationship between Japan and Morocco, Mr. Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Morocco, expressed his hopes for the further strengthening of Morocco's partnership with Japan as an African development and cooperation partner. The foreign ministers consented to the importance of the two countries cooperating to ensure the success of the TICAD Ministerial Meeting, and confirmed that the countries would continue to work closely in partnership regarding the issues faced by the international community.
(6) Japan-Bangladesh Foreign Ministers' Meeting (September 25)
Minister Kono explained that the Government of Japan continues its robust support for the initiatives undertaken by the People's Republic of Bangladesh to enable the steady repatriation of displaced persons in Bangladesh. With regard to North Korea, Minister Kono also requested the Government of Bangladesh to fully implement all relevant Security Council resolutions.
(7) Japan-Italy Foreign Ministers' Meeting (September 25)
Minister Kono stated that Japan would like to continue to work closely with Italy, a member of G7, sharing fundamental values including the rule of law. The two ministers confirmed that it is important to ensure the full implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions toward the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
(8) Japan-Pakistan Foreign Ministers' Meeting (September 25)
Minister Kono engaged in an exchange of views with Mr. Qureshi, Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on the expanding bilateral relations, regional affairs and non-proliferation. He expressed his expectations that Pakistan would continue to work proactively towards economic reform and the establishment of peace and stability in the region.
(9) Japan-Côte d'Ivoire Foreign Ministers' Meeting (September 25)
Minister Kono and Mr. Amon-Tanoh, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire exchanged their views regarding bilateral relations, the regional situation and other matters. In addition, the ministers held discussions on cooperation for TICAD7, scheduled to be held in Yokohama in August 2019, and shared their views to cooperate toward the success of the conference.
(10) Japan-Jordan Foreign Ministers' Meeting (September 25)
Minister Kono said that Japan will continuously support Jordan, a country which plays an important role for the peace and stability of Middle East region. Mr. Safadi, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, spoke of the excellent status of Japan-Jordan relations, and of his desire to work towards strengthening bilateral ties through high-level visits between the two countries and other efforts. The two foreign ministers also engaged in an exchange of views about how to support UNRWA, which is currently facing a difficult situation, and agreed to continue working in close partnership going forward. Finally, the foreign ministers exchanged views about the situation in the Middle East, and confirmed that they would continue to communicate with one another on this issue.
(11) Japan-Pacific Alliance Ministerial-level Meeting (September 26)
Minister Kono expressed his desire to strengthen policy dialogue with the Pacific Alliance at all levels in order to resolve issues affecting the region and the international community as a whole, including the promotion of free trade (such as the early entry into force of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP11 Agreement)) and the issue of North Korea. The Pacific Alliance members called for the reinforcement of relations with Japan to enhance coordination with the Asia-Pacific region, including collaboration aimed at strengthening the multilateral trading system. Both sides agreed on the importance of establishing mechanisms for enabling follow-up after the meeting.
(12) Meeting with the Vice Prime Minister of Romania (September 26)
Minister Kono and Ms. Birchall, Vice Prime Minister of Romania, agreed to advance cooperation toward building a strategic partnership between the two countries, as a follow-up of Prime Minister Abe's visit to Romania last January. Both countries confirmed that they would work to strengthen their partnership within the context of Japan-EU relations, based on Romania's mandate as President of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2019.
(13) Japan-ROK Foreign Ministers' Meeting (September 26)
With regard to the issue of North Korea, the two foreign ministers confirmed that Japan and the ROK and Japan, the ROK and the United States will continue to work closely together to achieve the complete denuclearization. As for Japan-ROK relations, they also agreed to accelerate discussions on policies for strengthening cultural and human exchanges. Furthermore Minister Kono once again explained the basic position of Japan regarding the comfort women issue and the former "requisitioned" civilian workers issue, and both foreign ministers confirmed that they will move forward with the cooperation to build future-oriented relations while appropriately managing difficult issues between Japan and the ROK.
(14) Japan-Bulgaria Foreign Ministers' Meeting (September 27)
At the Japan-Bulgaria Foreign Minister's Meeting, both ministers affirmed that Japan and the Republic of Bulgaria would further strengthen bilateral relations towards the "Three anniversaries"* between Japan and Bulgaria in 2019, and would work in partnership to support the Western Balkans.(Reference) The 110th anniversary of the beginning of bilateral contacts, the 80th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, and the 60th anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic relations.
