Press Releases
Meeting between State-Minister KUNIMITSU and H.E. Mr. António Manuel de Oliveira Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations
April 29, 2026
On April 29, commencing at around 1:40 a.m. (local time on April 29, 0:40 p.m.) for approximately twenty minutes, Dr. KUNIMITSU Ayano, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, 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, State Minister KUNIMITSU noted that this year marks the 70th anniversary of Japan’s admission to the UN, and stated that Japan’s commitment to multilateralism with the UN at its core remains unwavering. In response, Secretary-General Guterres expressed his gratitude for Japan’s longstanding support for the UN.
- State Minister KUNIMITSU stated that in order to maintain and strengthen the NPT regime, Japan seeks to play an active role in finding common ground between nuclear-weapon states and non-nuclear-weapon states at the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference. Both sides concurred that they continue cooperation in the work of the Conference.
- State Minister KUNIMITSU also reiterated the need for Security Council reform and the UN80 Initiative. In response, Secretary-General Guterres expressed understanding of Japan’s position and expectation of Japan’s continued role in UN reform. Furthermore, State Minister KUNIMITSU requested continued consideration regarding further recruitment of Japanese staff members.
- Both sides also exchanged views on regional and international affairs including their policies toward North Korea such as on the nuclear and missile issues and the abductions issue, and confirmed that Japan and the UN will continue to cooperate closely.