Activities of Secretary-General in Japan, 30 June–2 July

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon arrived in Tokyo, Japan, from New York in the afternoon of Tuesday, 30 June.

After his arrival, he had a meeting, as well as a working dinner, with Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone, at the Iikura Guest House.

Speaking to reporters at a joint press encounter, the Secretary-General said that his visit to Japan was aimed to further consolidate, strengthen and expand United Nations-Japan cooperation.

The Secretary-General said he and the Foreign Minister had discussed the implementation of the Security Council resolution on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Myanmar, United Nations-Japanese cooperation and the fight against piracy off the waters of Somalia.

He also said Japan’s continued leadership, contribution and active efforts are indispensable for effective collective action in addressing climate change and the global financial and economic crisis, as well as in achieving the Millennium Development Goals and on non-proliferation and disarmament.

The Secretary-General started the day on Tuesday with a breakfast with Japanese business leaders from the Keizai Doyukai and the Global Compact Japan Network who are playing a leading role in this new era of responsible and sustainable business.  (See Press Release SG/SM/12355.)

That was followed by a lively exchange with students at Tokyo University.  (See Press Release SG/SM/12347.)

He also reached out to the future generation of Japan’s leaders by being interviewed on a children’s news programme.

Also on Wednesday, he visited the United Nations University where he met with the heads of United Nations agencies based in Tokyo and held a town hall meeting with United Nations staff.

He also had the chance to meet with a group of Japanese celebrities who are working as United Nations Goodwill Ambassadors to mobilize support for victims of poverty and oppression around the world.  (See Press Release SG/SM/12356.)

That afternoon, Mr. Ban also met with Akihiro Ota, Chief Representative of the New Komei Party and Yukio Hatoyama, President of the Democratic Party of Japan.

In the early evening, the Secretary-General met with Prime Minister Taro Aso at the Prime Minister’s official residence and discussed the many challenges facing the world today and ways in which Japan can address them through the United Nations.

The Secretary-General expressed to the Prime Minister, the people and Government of Japan his profound gratitude for the country’s contribution to the United Nations.

He and the Prime Minister held a joint press encounter following their meeting and then continued their discussions over a working dinner.

On Thursday morning, the Secretary-General met with Yasushi Akashi, Representative of the Government of Japan on Sri Lanka.

He then left Tokyo late on Thursday morning for Singapore, en route to Myanmar.