Japan and the United Nations
Foreign Minister IWAYA’s meeting with H.E. Mr. António Manuel de Oliveira Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations
April 28, 2025
On April 28, commencing at around 2:00 p.m. local time (3:00 a.m. on April 29, Japan time) for approximately twenty-five minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, 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:
- At the outset, Foreign Minister IWAYA stated that on this 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, the international community is increasingly divided and faces various difficulties and challenges; that he is promoting “diplomacy through dialogue and harmony” and shares the same orientation as Secretary-General Guterres. He also stressed that Japan is committed to the UN and multilateralism and would like to work with the Secretary General towards a stronger and more effective UN, including through the implementation of the outcome document of the Summit of the Future. Foreign Minister IWAYA further mentioned that this year also marks the 80th year since the atomic bombings and that he attended the Third Session of the Preparatory Committee for the 2026 NPT Review Conference with a strong belief in the importance of maintaining and strengthening the NPT regime in which both nuclear-weapon and non-nuclear-weapon States widely participate.
- Foreign Minister IWAYA stated that he would like to work towards the realization of Security Council reform, including the expansion of both permanent and non-permanent seats. He also requested support for the increase in the number of Japanese staff.
- In response, Secretary-General Guterres expressed his appreciation for Japan’s support to the activities of the UN. In addition, the Secretary-General explained the efforts towards the UN reform under UN80 Initiative and stated that the Security Council Reform is a priority. Both sides also exchanged views on global issues, including the SDGs, as well as regional and international affairs, and confirmed that Japan and the UN will continue to work closely together.