Press Releases
Foreign Minister Hayashi’s Meeting with United Nations Secretary-General Guterres
August 8, 2022
On August 8, commencing at 9:15 a.m. for approximately 25 minutes, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. António Manuel de Oliveira Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), on the occasion of his Official Working Visit to Japan. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Hayashi welcomed the Secretary-General’s visit to Japan and attendance at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony, and expressed his appreciation for Secretary-General Guterres’ offering of condolences on the passing of former Prime Minister Abe. Secretary-General Guterres expressed his gratitude for the invitation from the Government of Japan, stating that it had been meaningful to visit Hiroshima and attend the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony. Secretary-General Guterres reiterated his condolences on the passing of former Prime Minister Abe.
- Minister Hayashi referred to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, China's military activities near Taiwan, and China’s launch of ballistic missiles into the sea close to Japan following North Korea’s launches, and stated that maintaining the international order based on the rule of law was at risk. Minister Hayashi strongly condemned China’s launch of ballistic missiles as a serious issue concerning Japan’s security. Minister Hayashi further pointed out that China’s action gravely affects peace and stability of the international community. Both sides shared their serious concern about the tense situation in the region and concurred on the importance of de-escalating the tension.
- Regarding the situation in Ukraine, Minister Hayashi expressed his appreciation for Secretary-General Guterres’ contribution to evacuating civilians from Mariupol in May and realizing the departure of ships carrying grains from Ukraine.
- Minister Hayashi stated that it was important to strengthen the functions of the whole UN, including Security Council reform as well as strengthening the support for the Secretary-General and the General Assembly’s role. Secretary-General Guterres congratulated Japan on its joining the Security Council. Both sides confirmed to work closely together to address the issues facing the international community including strengthening the functions of the UN as a whole.
- Both sides shared serious concerns regarding North Korea’s increased nuclear and missile activities. Minister Hayashi asked for the continued understanding and cooperation from the UN on the abductions issue and obtained the full support from Secretary-General Guterres.
- Both sides exchanged views regarding responses to global issues that threaten human security, such as the food crisis, climate change, and infectious diseases, and concurred to continue working together to address these issues.