安保理改革に関する政府間交渉（IGN）における山﨑大使のステートメント

Thank you, Co-Chairs.
 
Japan fully aligns with Germany’s statement on behalf of the G4. I will make additional remarks in my national capacity.
 
Japan welcomes the submission of the African model and would like to express its gratitude for the comprehensive presentation by Sierra Leone. It is of the urgent need to reform the Security Council from its current structure, a snapshot of the international environment in 1945, into one that truly reflects the contemporary geopolitical realities, which is crucial to restore confidence in the UN at the center of multilateralism. Japan hopes that the submission of the African model will accelerate the process toward developing a consolidated model.
 
As stated in the G4 statement, Japan reiterates its full support for the African model. In particular, Japan emphasizes that the G4’s position and the Common African Position are fully aligned on the most critical point: the expansion in both permanent and non-permanent categories. The expansion in both categories has been supported by a majority of Member States, including the African Group, the G4, L69, CARICOM, the Benelux countries, the Nordic countries and the Arab Group. This majority voice must be duly reflected in a consolidated model.
 
Co-Chairs and African colleagues,
 
Japan would like to reiterate the importance of cooperation between the African Group and the G4. As shown in the Pact for the Future, it is in consensus of Member States that Africa must be treated as a special case from the perspective of redressing the historical injustice against it. At the same time, it is also the consensus of Member States that the issue of improving representation of the other underrepresented and unrepresented regions must be addressed. In particular, from the perspective of the Asia-Pacific region, it should be emphasized that its representation on the Council remains limited to just one permanent seat and two non-permanent seats—a mere one-fifth of the total, although the Asia-Pacific Group comprises 54 UN Member States and accounts for more than half of the world’s population.
 
Realizing Security Council reform requires support from at least two-thirds of Member States. This is a high hurdle, but is not impossible if we work together to overcome it. In this regard, Japan would like to introduce an African proverb often cited in Japan: if you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together. Japan remains committed to contributing constructively to further deepen the relationship with the African Group and to realize Council reform at the earliest possible timing.
 
I thank you.
 
In response to statements made by the North Korean delegation at the meeting, Mr. Yasuhiro Nakai, Counsellor, delivered the following statement.

It’s regrettable that the North Korean delegation made a groundless statement regarding Japan.  Since the end of World War II, Japan has consistently followed the path of a peace-loving nation and made innumerable contributions to the peace and prosperity of the world including having served as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council 12 times.
 
Japan will continue such contributions as a responsible Member State of the United Nations.