Tokyo: Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Monday said that US President Joe Biden has assured support to Tokyo’s interest in becoming a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
Speaking at a joint press conference after bilateral talks, Kishida said, “I expressed the necessity to reform and strengthen the United Nations, including the Security Council, which bears an important responsibility for the peace and security of the international community and gained President Biden’s support. The President stated that the United States will support Japan becoming a permanent member of a reformed Security Council.”
The PM further said that Biden has extended his support to Japan’s resolve to secure a larger defence budget.
“I applaud Prime Minister Kishida’s determination to strengthen Japanese defense capabilities as well. A strong Japan and a strong US-Japan alliance is a force for good in the region,” Biden said.
According to NHK World, the two nations agreed to work with South Korea to keep an eye on North Korea as it pushes forward with weapons development.
Kishida said, “We stressed the importance of ensuring peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, which is an essential element for the peace and prosperity of the international community. We also urged for a peaceful solution to the cross-strait issue.”
During the discussion the Japanese PM told the US President his desire to hold next year’s G7 summit in Hiroshima.
NHK World quoted Biden as saying that the US-Japan alliance has long been the cornerstone of peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
He further said that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) will increase cooperation with other countries in the region.
“Two great democracies in the Indo-Pacific are always looking for ways to do more together,” he added.
