Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question concerning the United Nations (UN). Japan was elected to serve as a non-permanent member on the UN Security Council. Can you please share your comments?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: In the election of non-permanent members of the UN Security Council held on the 15th, Japan was elected with the endorsement of an overwhelming majority of UN member states, receiving 184 votes. We would like to express our deepest appreciation to the countries which supported Japan. The international community today is faced with many challenges that extend beyond the framework of individual states, namely, the issue of refugees, internally displaced persons, extremism, and terrorism. I expect that the role of the Security Council will become critically important as a body with primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. In this context, starting in January of next year, Japan will serve its 11th term as a non-permanent member, more than any other member state. Japan will put into practice the philosophy of “Proactive Contribution to Peace” based on the principle of international cooperation, as set forth by the Prime Minister, and contribute proactively to the security and peace of the international community within the Security Council.

(Abridged)