Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi emphasized her government’s commitment to international law and the International Criminal Court (ICC) during her debut speech at the United Nations General Assembly. She highlighted Japan’s longstanding support for global judicial institutions and reiterated the nation’s dedication to fostering a free and open international order.
Addressing the assembly, Takaichi noted the end of the stable international environment that followed the Cold War, stressing the critical role of the United Nations in maintaining peace and stability. She advocated for reforms within the UN and its Security Council to better reflect the diverse makeup of the international community.
While Takaichi did not directly comment on the U.S. sanctions against ICC President Tomoko Akane, a Japanese national, she reaffirmed Japan’s unwavering backing of the court since the conclusion of World War II. Her speech also condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine, describing any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo by force as unacceptable.
The prime minister urged the international community to intensify efforts to address the threats posed by North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs. She reiterated Japan’s openness to dialogue aimed at resolving the issue of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea, signaling a willingness to engage diplomatically.
On the economic front, Takaichi discussed Japan’s plans to collaborate with Gulf nations to bolster energy security amid global trade disruptions. She called for enhanced international cooperation in managing critical resources and advancing artificial intelligence technologies, aiming to strengthen economic resilience.
