Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Japan’s Foreign Minister HAYASHI Yoshimasa met with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday and discussed a range of topics that included China’s “aggression” towards Taiwan, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and North Korea’s increased nuclear and missile activities.

According to the foreign ministry, Hayashi stated that maintaining the international order based on the rule of law was at risk and strongly condemned China’s launch of ballistic missiles as a serious issue concerning Japan’s security. Both sides shared their serious concerns about the tense situation in the region and agreed on the importance of de-escalating tension. 

Hayashi expressed his appreciation for Guterres’ contribution in evacuating civilians from the Ukrainian port city of Mariupol in May and realizing the departure of ships carrying grain from Ukraine. 

Both sides exchanged views regarding responses to global issues that threaten human security, such as the food crisis, climate change and infectious diseases, and agreed to continue working together to address these issues. 

Hayashi stated that it was important to strengthen the functions of the whole United Nations, including Security Council reform, as well as strengthening support for the Secretary-General and the General Assembly’s role. 

In his opening remarks, Hayashi welcomed the Secretary-General’s visit to Japan and attendance at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony, and expressed his appreciation for his condolences on the passing of former Prime Minister ABE Shinzo.