Japan and the United Nations
Meeting between Foreign Minister Hayashi and United Nations Secretary-General Guterres
January 12, 2023
On January 12, commencing at 1:37 p.m. (local time; January 13, 3:37 a.m. JST) for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting New York, U.S. to participate in the Open Debate of the UN Security Council (UNSC), held a meeting with H.E. Mr. António Manuel de Oliveira Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN). The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- Minister Hayashi stated Japan, as a member of the UNSC, would actively contribute so that the UNSC could fulfil its expected responsibilities through close cooperation with other countries, as the UNSC faces a time of trial. Secretary-General Guterres welcomed Japan’s membership on the UNSC and stated that he looks forward to working closely with Japan.
- Minister Hayashi stated that Japan's interests for the Summit of the Future include the rule of law, human security, disarmament-and, non-proliferation, and strengthening the functions of the UN including the reform of the UNSC. In response, Secretary-General Guterres stated that he appreciated Japan's past contributions, and both sides concurred to work closely together in these areas.
- Minister Hayashi also explained about the intensification of North Korea's nuclear and missile activities and the two sides agreed to continue to urge North Korea to cease its provocations and to comply with the UNSC resolutions.
- There was also an exchange of views on regional issues including Ukraine.