拉致問題に関するオンライン国連シンポジウムにおける石兼公博国連日本政府常駐代表による開会の辞・閉会の辞
令和4年6月16日
Opening Remarks
(As delivered)
Thank you Professor Hoshino,Good morning, good evening, wherever you are.
H.E. Mr. MATSUNO Hirokazu,
H.E. Mr. FURUYA Keiji,
Ambassador Mitchell Fifield,
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield,
Ambassador Björn Olof Skoog,
Dear speakers, panelists, ladies and gentlemen,
It is my great honour to co-host the online symposium in the United Nations on the abductions issue, together with Australia, the United States and the European Union. The fact that the esteemed three Ambassadors kindly agreed to continue co-hosting this symposium is a testament of the support of the international community on this issue. It is my hope that our continued collective action will encourage the families of the victims, who have persevered through these long, painful years.
The issue of abductions by North Korea is a matter of serious concern. Japan has been striving alongside partner countries towards the immediate resolution of this issue in the international arena, including in the UN.
Today, we have the opportunity to directly hear the voices of the families of the victims from Japan, the United States and Thailand. They will remind us of the global aspect of this grave violation of human rights and help us better understand the inhumane nature of abductions as well as the urgency of resolving the issue.
We also have present today former Ambassadors of Sweden and the United Kingdom to North Korea, who will share their valuable perspectives based on their experiences in North Korea. They will help us grasp the reality in North Korea and explore ways for resolving the abductions issue.
The international community can help resolve this case by sending a strong and unified voice for the immediate return of all abductees. Among such efforts is the UN General Assembly resolution on the human rights situation in the DPRK, adopted by an overwhelming support of the UN Member States every year. This symposium will also help consolidate the will of the international community and create further momentum toward the resolution of the abductions issue.
I would like to close my remarks by sincerely hoping that today’s symposium will renew the collective determination of the international community to work together for the resolution of this issue at the earliest possible date.
Thank you very much.
Closing Remarks
(As delivered)
Thank you Mr. Chair,
Distinguished representatives, speakers, and participants, thank you very much for the very rich discussion today.
I very much appreciate the strong messages from three Permanent Representatives to the United Nations. I hope the United Nations will continue to make every effort towards resolving this issue of global importance.
We also heard the voices of the families of the abductees from Japan, the United States and Thailand. Pain and sorrow of the victims and their families in many countries are truly heartbreaking. I renewed my sense of urgency that there is no time to lose to resolve the abductions issue.
I also would like to extend my appreciation to the former Ambassadors to North Korea, who shared their analyses on North Korea. These insights will prove valuable as we continue to endeavor to resolve the abductions issue.
I would like to conclude my remarks by reiterating the commitment of Japan to making every effort toward the early resolution of the abductions issue.
I will do my part in New York, and hope everyone gathered today will strive towards that end all together.
Thank you very much.
関連イベントページ：https://www.un.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/events_061622.html