Japan and the United Nations
Foreign Minister Kamikawa’s meeting with H.E. Mr. António Manuel de Oliveira Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations
September 21, 2023
On September 21, commencing at around 3:50 p.m. local time (4:50 a.m. on September 22, Japan time) for approximately fifteen minutes, Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. António Manuel de Oliveira Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- Foreign Minister Kamikawa welcomed the rejoining with Secretary-General Guterres, and in response, Mr. Guterres expressed his appreciation for Japan’s contribution to the UN and welcomed Ms. Kamikawa's appointment as a Foreign Minister and her attendance at the UN General Assembly.
- Foreign Minister Kamikawa stressed that, as the international community faces a historical turning point, it is necessary to strengthen the role of the UN and shed a light on “human dignity”. The Foreign Minister Kamikawa further mentioned Japan’s efforts concerning the UN reform, the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) and Women, Peace and Security (WPS). She also explained about discharging ALPS treated water into the sea. In response, Secretary-General Guterres expressed his appreciation for Japan’s leadership in the field of disarmament and his understanding to Japan’s efforts and stances.
- Both of them concurred that as multilateralism faces challenges, they will closely cooperate with each other, including for the success of the Summit for the Future next year.