Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and U.N. General Assembly President John Ashe agreed Wednesday to push for reform of the Security Council as the international body marks its 70th anniversary in 2015.
During talks at the prime minister's office, Abe expressed appreciation for Ashe's leadership in trying to reform the 15-member council.
"Japan has always placed importance on U.N. diplomacy, and would like to work with the United Nations to contribute to global peace and prosperity," Abe said.
Together with Brazil, Germany and India, Japan has been calling for an overhaul of the Security Council as Tokyo aims to gain permanent member status on an expanded council.
Ashe told Abe that U.N. reform is an important issue for the international community, and expressed hope to work together with Japan to achieve the goal. Ashe was scheduled to meet with Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida on Thursday.
