Japan reiterates call for UN Security Council reforms

ISTANBUL

Japan on Friday reiterated its call for reforms to the UN Security Council, said the country’s Foreign Ministry.

During an official trip to Japan, UN General Assembly President Philemon Yang met with Iwaya Takeshi, Japan’s foreign minister, who said “concrete progress” on UN Security Council reforms should be made this year when the UN marks its 80th anniversary, said a ministry statement.

The leaders also discussed “revitalization of the UN General Assembly,” it added.

Nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation were also discussed, alongside the issues of Ukraine, Gaza, Africa, and climate change, it added.

Yang is visiting Japan until Tuesday, to be followed by an official visit to India.

He also also met with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.

“It is clear that the Security Council is not functioning properly in responding to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and other actions,” Ishiba told Yang, urging reform of the top UN body, according to Japanese broadcaster NHK.