Japanese Foreign Minister Emphasizes UN Security Council Reform... Shows Ambition to Join Permanent Members

Mentioned in the UN 75th Anniversary Video Message... "Security Council Must Be Reformed"

Motegi Toshimitsu, Japanese Foreign Minister
Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi expressed his intention to aim for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), stating that the UN, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary, needs to expedite reform of the Security Council to become stronger.

According to NHK and other sources on the 22nd, Foreign Minister Motegi said in a video message commemorating the 75th anniversary of the UN's founding, "The world has changed a lot," adding, "Without even mentioning the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), crises are diverse and large-scale, increasing the significance of the UN's existence in uniting the international community."

Motegi pointed out, "To realize a stronger UN, reform of the Security Council can no longer be postponed," and said, "The system created 75 years ago cannot be said to fully accomplish the purposes stipulated in the UN Charter." He continued, "Countries with the capability and will to take on heavy responsibilities must secure a place in an expanded Security Council," emphasizing, "Japan is prepared to seriously fulfill this responsibility as a permanent member and contribute to the realization of a peaceful and stable international community."

Motegi reiterated the need to start discussions for reform, saying, "In the declaration of this meeting, we pledged to breathe new life into the discussions on Security Council reform."

The UN Security Council consists of five permanent members?the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China?and ten non-permanent members elected based on geographical distribution. Japan has served as a non-permanent member more than ten times and has been seeking a permanent seat on the Security Council.