Japan and the United Nations
Courtesy Call on Prime Minister Kishida by H.E. Mr. Dennis Francis, President of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
February 15, 2024
(Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)
On February 15, commencing at around 2:10 p.m. for approximately fifteen minutes, Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, received a courtesy call by H.E. Mr. Dennis Francis, President of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, who is visiting Japan upon the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. The overview of the meeting is as follows:
- At the outset, Prime Minister Kishida welcomed President Francis on his first visit to Japan. Prime Minister Kishida expressed the need to return to the basic foundation of “human dignity” and strengthen "human-centered international cooperation" based on the principle of human security in order to lead the world towards cooperation rather than division and confrontations amidst the international order shaken. Prime Minister Kishida also stated that strengthening multilateralism is essential and that the UN is at its core. In response, President Francis expressed sympathy and condolences for the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake and gratitude to the Government of Japan for the invitation, and stated that he is also putting an emphasis on the importance of multilateralism and human dignity.
- Prime Minister Kishida mentioned that the role of the General Assembly representing a voice of all Member States is becoming increasingly important, as humanity faces a mountain issues both regionally globally that need be addressed across national borders and values. They exchanged views on the Summit of the Future to be held in September and the strengthening the functions of the UN including the Security Council reform. They also confirmed to work together to realize a world without nuclear weapons, following President Francis’s visit to Hiroshima during his visit to Japan.